Update on Summer Camps in Georgia amid COVID-19

The summer is almost here and families are actively planning their vacations including camps for kids.  With the COVID-19 pandemic still looming, many families are wondering what changes might be in store.  Georgia Governor Brian Kemp recently gave an update on summer camps operating amid the respiratory virus.  “Countless families have reached out to my office to discuss how summer camps can safely operate as we battle the spread of COVID-19. Working closely with the Department of Public Health, constituents, and summer camp operators, we have developed strict criteria so that these camps can start planning now to reopen with safeguards in place. We are hearing that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will issue guidance soon. When that happens, their guidance will control, but until that time, we will put out guardrails so people can make plans. We have defined ‘summer camp’ as any entity offering organized sessions of supervised recreational, athletic, or instructional activities held between typical school terms, including entities commonly referred to as ‘day camps.’ Starting May 14, 2020, summer day camps are allowed to operate if they can meet thirty-two minimum, mandatory criteria. These requirements are extensive and cover a wide range of operations to ensure the safety of camp workers and participants of all ages.  Even though we have these measures in place to allow for summer camps, we are not allowing overnight summer camps in Georgia at this time. We will continue to watch the data, keep a close eye on compliance, and make a decision on a case-by-case basis when Dr. Toomey and the Department of Public Health determine it is safe for overnight campers.”  Gov. Kemp renewed the call to action for all Georgians to heed the advice of public health officials, avoid large gatherings, and help slow the spread of COVID-19.