VDH: ‘Dramatic surge’ in COVID-19 cases at local childcare facilities, summer camps

Virginia Department of Health officials have reported a “dramatic surge” in the number of COVID-19 cases being reported at Central Virginia childcare facilities and summer camps, they said in a statement Wednesday.

The VDH’s Central Region – which includes the Henrico, Richmond, Chickahominy, Chesterfield, Crater, Southside, and Piedmont health districts – has reported 10 COVID outbreaks in summer camps and 10 more in childcare or preschool facilities since July 1, officials reported.

Ninety-five percent of those cases were in people who are unvaccinated, and 40% were in people who were eligible to be vaccinated; children younger than 12 are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.

During the same period in 2020, only one outbreak each in a summer camp and a childcare/preschool facility were reported.

VDH officials are warning parents and guardians to be vigilant in taking mitigation measures to protect their children from contracting and spreading COVID-19. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry requires that staff in childcare settings wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.

“The Delta variant spreads more than twice as easily as previous variants,” said Dr. Caroline Holsinger, director of VDH’s Division of Surveillance and Investigation. “Vaccination is still the best way to protect against the Delta variant, but for children not yet eligible for the vaccine, it’s important to follow proper mitigation measures – wear a mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing.”

The agency advises that those in childcare facilities and summer camps should wear masks, especially indoors; keep proper distance; and wash their hands often.

Parents should check their child's temperature every morning and check for any other signs of illness and refrain from sending children who have COVID or might have it to camp or childcare.

To learn more about how to get vaccinated, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA.