'As Day Care Centers Reopen, Will Parents Send Their Children?' diff viewer (6/7)

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As Day Care Centers Reopen, Will Parents Send Their Children?	As Day Care Centers Reopen, Will Parents Send Their Children?
2020-06-09 22:28:56 UTC	2020-06-13 04:16:36 UTC (3 days later)
Venice Ray was eager to return to work when Texas announced last week that child care centers, like the one she was laid off from in March, could immediately reopen. But re-enrolling her 4-year-old son? That gave her pause.	Venice Ray was eager to return to work when Texas announced last week that child care centers, like the one she was laid off from in March, could immediately reopen. But re-enrolling her 4-year-old son? That gave her pause.
As many restaurants, hair salons and shopping malls across the country welcome back customers, some states are allowing day care centers and preschools to reopen, acknowledging that child care plays a foundational role in the American economy.	As many restaurants, hair salons and shopping malls across the country welcome back customers, some states are allowing day care centers and preschools to reopen, acknowledging that child care plays a foundational role in the American economy.
But for millions of working parents like Ms. Ray, the choice to send their children back to a place known for spreading germs, even in more normal times, is not an easy one. And in an industry operating on razor-thin margins, the survival of many child care centers is in doubt.	But for millions of working parents like Ms. Ray, the choice to send their children back to a place known for spreading germs, even in more normal times, is not an easy one. And in an industry operating on razor-thin margins, the survival of many child care centers is in doubt.
The coronavirus cost the industry more than 355,000 jobs in March and April, about a third of the pre-pandemic total. And a survey by an industry group showed that many providers were so short of cash that they could go out of business permanently, unable to pay rent, mortgage payments or other fixed costs.	The coronavirus cost the industry more than 355,000 jobs in March and April, about a third of the pre-pandemic total. And a survey by an industry group showed that many providers were so short of cash that they could go out of business permanently, unable to pay rent, mortgage payments or other fixed costs.
Democrats in Congress are introducing bills this week and next that would spend $50 billion to keep centers afloat and provide tuition relief to families. The bills would also help put in place new safety measures, which could be vital to ensuring that parents feel safe re-enrolling their children.	Democrats in Congress are introducing bills this week and next that would spend $50 billion to keep centers afloat and provide tuition relief to families. The bills would also help put in place new safety measures, which could be vital to ensuring that parents feel safe re-enrolling their children.
In a majority of American families, both parents hold jobs, making child care essential for a functioning economy. But the United States is rare among industrialized nations in not providing a universal option, leaving families with the burden of figuring it out themselves. Many struggle even in the best of times.	In a majority of American families, both parents hold jobs, making child care essential for a functioning economy. But the United States is rare among industrialized nations in not providing a universal option, leaving families with the burden of figuring it out themselves. Many struggle even in the best of times.
Experts now worry that if licensed centers disappear during the pandemic, more families will resort to ad hoc arrangements, such as relying on relatives, friends or neighbors who lack experience, let alone formal training in safety or education.	Experts now worry that if licensed centers disappear during the pandemic, more families will resort to ad hoc arrangements, such as relying on relatives, friends or neighbors who lack experience, let alone formal training in safety or education.
But for families balancing professional and economic pressures with health concerns, the idea of re-enrolling in center-based care can be profoundly anxiety-provoking, even with new sanitation and social distancing practices required by federal and state guidelines.	But for families balancing professional and economic pressures with health concerns, the idea of re-enrolling in center-based care can be profoundly anxiety-provoking, even with new sanitation and social distancing practices required by federal and state guidelines.
That is the situation the Ray family found itself in. Ms. Ray is confident that the new procedures will make it safe for her to return to work when her employer, a day care and preschool associated with a Longview, Texas, church, reopens on June 2.	That is the situation the Ray family found itself in. Ms. Ray is confident that the new procedures will make it safe for her to return to work when her employer, a day care and preschool associated with a Longview, Texas, church, reopens on June 2.
But as a mother, she felt unsure about whether her son should go back, too. In particular, she was concerned about her in-laws, who have been babysitting her older children. What if the youngest, their 4-year-old son, brought the virus home and passed it on to them?	But as a mother, she felt unsure about whether her son should go back, too. In particular, she was concerned about her in-laws, who have been babysitting her older children. What if the youngest, their 4-year-old son, brought the virus home and passed it on to them?
“It’s a really tough one,” she said. After days of debate, she and her husband decided that Ms. Ray would go back to work — the family needs her $475-per-week salary, and she loves her job — but their son would go to his grandparents for care.	“It’s a really tough one,” she said. After days of debate, she and her husband decided that Ms. Ray would go back to work — the family needs her $475-per-week salary, and she loves her job — but their son would go to his grandparents for care.
A similar conversation took place in Alison Larkin’s home in Chicago. Before the coronavirus outbreak, Ms. Larkin, a 35-year-old social work consultant, had a dream situation for her toddler, Clementine: a coveted spot in a respected day care just a few minutes away.	A similar conversation took place in Alison Larkin’s home in Chicago. Before the coronavirus outbreak, Ms. Larkin, a 35-year-old social work consultant, had a dream situation for her toddler, Clementine: a coveted spot in a respected day care just a few minutes away.
But now she and her husband, who have been trading child care shifts while working from home, are preparing for their current arrangement to last until there is a vaccine, even though Illinois is allowing day care centers to reopen this week.	But now she and her husband, who have been trading child care shifts while working from home, are preparing for their current arrangement to last until there is a vaccine, even though Illinois is allowing day care centers to reopen this week.
“My sense of things is that the virus is not going anywhere for quite some time,” Ms. Larkin said. “This could be an indefinite state of being.”	“My sense of things is that the virus is not going anywhere for quite some time,” Ms. Larkin said. “This could be an indefinite state of being.”
Mandy Zaransky-Hurst, a mother and corporate executive in Chicago, has been sorely missing her 4-month-old’s day care since it was shut down in March. She has a full-time job as the chief operating officer of a training and development company. Her husband, who is also working from home, is a lawyer.	Mandy Zaransky-Hurst, a mother and corporate executive in Chicago, has been sorely missing her 4-month-old’s day care since it was shut down in March. She has a full-time job as the chief operating officer of a training and development company. Her husband, who is also working from home, is a lawyer.
“It’s not sustainable,” Ms. Zaransky-Hurst said of their current arrangement, which requires her to frequently rise at 4 a.m. to begin a 10-hour workday, while also caring for their 6-year-old.	“It’s not sustainable,” Ms. Zaransky-Hurst said of their current arrangement, which requires her to frequently rise at 4 a.m. to begin a 10-hour workday, while also caring for their 6-year-old.
But at the same time, she worries that day care is not safe, given the constant flow of teachers and children in and out.	But at the same time, she worries that day care is not safe, given the constant flow of teachers and children in and out.
“How can companies really expect their employees to return to work in a normal fashion?” she asked. “What true flexibility and understanding will companies give to employees who can’t send their kids back to day care?”	“How can companies really expect their employees to return to work in a normal fashion?” she asked. “What true flexibility and understanding will companies give to employees who can’t send their kids back to day care?”
So far, there have not been major coronavirus outbreaks reported in child care centers in the United States, although one in Canada was the site of an alarming cluster of cases.	So far, there have not been major coronavirus outbreaks reported in child care centers in the United States, although one in Canada was the site of an alarming cluster of cases.
~~Updated June 5, 2020~~	Updated June 12, 2020
	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.	Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.	Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.	States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.	Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.	The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.	If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The industry typically serves more than 12 million children in the United States under 6, the majority of whom attend day cares in private homes. Providers are licensed by state and local governments, and must follow regulations for education, health and safety. Generally, experts recommend that one trained caretaker be responsible for no more than four infants, six toddlers or 10 preschoolers.	The industry typically serves more than 12 million children in the United States under 6, the majority of whom attend day cares in private homes. Providers are licensed by state and local governments, and must follow regulations for education, health and safety. Generally, experts recommend that one trained caretaker be responsible for no more than four infants, six toddlers or 10 preschoolers.
Under normal circumstances, the physical space required for a center to maintain social distancing depends heavily on the developmental stage of the children being cared for. Infants are more interested in adults than other babies, and are easier to space out than toddlers and preschoolers, who are social and frenetic. The space required for effective social distancing will vary greatly depending on the ages and temperament of children in a center.	Under normal circumstances, the physical space required for a center to maintain social distancing depends heavily on the developmental stage of the children being cared for. Infants are more interested in adults than other babies, and are easier to space out than toddlers and preschoolers, who are social and frenetic. The space required for effective social distancing will vary greatly depending on the ages and temperament of children in a center.
Coronavirus guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention call for child care centers to disinfect surfaces and shared objects several times per day; avoid toys, like stuffed animals, that cannot be easily washed; stagger children’s arrival time to limit contact between parents; and to seat and nap children at least six feet apart from one another. States are issuing their own guidelines, which can differ significantly.	Coronavirus guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention call for child care centers to disinfect surfaces and shared objects several times per day; avoid toys, like stuffed animals, that cannot be easily washed; stagger children’s arrival time to limit contact between parents; and to seat and nap children at least six feet apart from one another. States are issuing their own guidelines, which can differ significantly.
Tennille Smalls, who runs a child care center out of her home in New Haven, Conn., is among the providers trying to make the necessary changes. Her business is surviving during the pandemic, but only precariously. Enrollment has fallen to four children from nine; their parents are essential health care workers.	Tennille Smalls, who runs a child care center out of her home in New Haven, Conn., is among the providers trying to make the necessary changes. Her business is surviving during the pandemic, but only precariously. Enrollment has fallen to four children from nine; their parents are essential health care workers.