Q: Should I send my child to summer camp this year?
A: As we all look forward to summer this year, we know it will not be like the summer we looked forward to or the ones we've enjoyed in the past. Nonetheless, with adequate precautions and preparations, there are activities that can be enjoyed.
Gov. Bill Lee and his team have prepared guidelines for summer day camps to use in offering activities this summer. Hamilton County is advising local camps to follow these guidelines. We know that the way to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 is through physically distancing ourselves from others, covering our mouth and nose when others are around and maintaining high standards for hygiene. These principles are at the heart of the recommendations for safe summer activities.
Summer camps will be expected to instruct their staff about these guidelines, especially the prohibition against working while sick. They will be expected to wear cloth face coverings while at work and in public, practice social distancing and reinforce hygiene for themselves and their campers.
Campers will be screened for illnesses before being admitted each day. Campers also will be encouraged to cover their faces as much as possible and will be kept in small groups. There will be a strong emphasis on hygiene, not only of the campers but of all equipment and facilities they use. There will be a strong preference for outdoor activities.
Visitors will be restricted, and pickup and drop-off protocols will be in place to minimize contact. It is strongly recommended for camps to cancel any field trips, inter-group events or other activities that expose campers to additional people. Campers should be kept in the same small groups throughout their time at the camp.
Overnight camps are advised to review and consider guidelines from the American Camp Association before opening (https://www.acacamps.org). Aquatic venues, such as pools, will only be used under strict state and CDC guidelines. All of these guidelines can be found at the "Tennessee Pledge" website, https://www.tn.gov/governor/covid-19/economic-recovery/tennessee-pledge.html.
The Hamilton County Health Department feels that if these guidelines are strictly followed, any potential risks involved in these activities can be minimized. Of course, it is ultimately up to individual parents to decide what is best for their own child. We would encourage you to discuss any concerns you have with the camp director.
For any additional information or questions about COVID-19 you may have, call the Hamilton County Health Department COVID-19 Hotline at 423-209-8383.
- Dr. Paul M. Hendricks is health officer for the Hamilton County Health Department and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.