Kids in summer camps see stricter mask guidance

Counselors who are vaccinated can take off their masks, but most kids under the age of 12 can't as a COVID-19 vaccine has not been approved for their age group.

News 12 Staff

May 23, 2021, 8:43 PM

Updated 1,233 days ago

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Children's camps in New York are getting ready for a new season with new mask guidance.
Counselors who are vaccinated can take off their masks, but most kids under the age of 12 can't as a COVID-19 vaccine has not been approved for their age group.
"The guidance this summer for children is a little bit stricter than it was last year, and the guidance for vaccinated staff is a little bit looser," said Jamie Sirkin, director of Summer Trails Day Camp in Somers.
Last summer, children did not have to wear masks for the most part. Sirkin says there were no cases of COVID-19 last season at the camp.
This year, children will have to wear masks most of the time, except when eating, in the water, or during intense sports.
"Camps are predominantly outdoors, and the science tells us that outdoors rate of transmission is negligible — it's 0.03%. So we're hoping that they will take that into the guidance, and it will continue to evolve as we move closer to summer," Sirkin said.
Michael Rae, a 6-year-old camper, says he doesn't mind the masks.
"I'm used to it from life," Rae said.
Summer Trails hopes the state will consider loosening mask restrictions before campers arrive next month.