Sanford, Fla. — This summer brings about much needed opportunities for families and friends to share time together and for youth to participate in summer camps or summer programs. Parents and summer program coordinators play an important role in ensuring summer activities remain healthy and safe for families, staff and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CDC has issued recommendations to help summer camps and families plan for summer activities. Some of these strategies include:

• Ensuring sick youth or staff do not attend summer programs, isolate at home and seek medical care.

• Increasing cleaning and disinfection practices in the summer program or camp facilities and premises.

• Cohorting groups of youth and/or keeping youth in small groups and maintaining social distancing.

• Limiting the number of items that are shared or touched between camp participants and staff.

• Promoting frequent hand washing, having hand sanitizer available, encouraging staff and youth to cover their cough and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow.

• Requesting campers and staff wear a cloth face covering whenever feasible and at times where social distancing is difficult.

• Promoting vaccination opportunities among those 12 and older.

Summer program coordinators in Seminole County are encouraged to call the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County with questions or to report illness at 407-665-3000 option #1.

For more information, parents and summer program coordinators may visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/summer-camps.html.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/schools-childcare/childcareproviders-quick-guide-print.pdf.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.