#New York bans summer sleepaway camps to contain coronavirus pandemic

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Jewish kids gather in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, yesterday to demand that New York summer camps open this summer amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Paul Martinka

In another disappointing blow to New York kids — and parents — the state Health Commissioner announced Friday that he’s banning sleepaway camps this summer to help contain the coronavirus threat.

Dr. Howard Zucker said it’s too risky to have children in close quarters.

“Throughout this entire public health response, there isn’t a single decision we have not made based on data and science, rather than emotion. Using the best currently available science and data, I have reached a decision to prohibit overnight children’s camps from operating this season in New York State,” the health commissioner said in a three-paragraph statement.

Day camps will still be allowed to operate.

“Unlike day camps, which are approved to open June 29, overnight camps are a difficult setting to manage social distancing and face covering and infection control practices. Overnight camps have congregate settings and sleeping arrangements in close quarters that present too many risks,” Zucker said.

Zucker said that in such close quarters as a sleepaway camp, a single positive COVID-19 case in a camper or staff member could create “an untenable quarantine situation” and overwhelm camp health personnel who “may not be able to handle a serious infectious outbreak of this nature.”

The commissioner said he knows the decision — released late Friday, a time when government officials often release bad news — will cause heartbreak. Students had already been forced out of their school buildings during the COVID lockdown in a bid to tame the killer bug.

Jewish children in the South Williamsburg section of Brooklyn held a bike-riding event  Thursday night urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to allow sleepaway camps to open.

“I have fond memories of summer sleepaway camp as a kid, and I understand the role they play in childhood development and the disappointment this decision may bring to families across the state. But amid the worst public health crisis in a century, my number one priority is the health and safety of all New Yorkers. And while infection rates are declining, we need to proceed with caution and take every step possible to avoid undoing all the progress New Yorkers have made in bending the curve and reopening the state safely and responsibly,” Zucker said.

Pro-camp lawmakers slammed the Cuomo administration’s decision.

“I am very disappointed and frustrated by the governor’s decision,” said Brooklyn state Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein.

“Sleepaway camp represents a unique opportunity for young people to experience a fun-filled summer in a wholesome outdoor environment. After three months of lockdown, I would even venture to call it an ‘essential service.’ After experiencing both the trauma and the boredom of lockdown, young people deserve to enjoy a fun-filled summer.”

Eichenstein demanded that the governor come up with alternative plans for the thousands of camp-less kids. He’s also exploring the viability of sending children to sleepaway camps in other states “who have already been approaching us.”

“It is easy to hand out orders from the Governor’s mansion, but if that is your decision, what is your solution, governor?” he said.