De Blasio Says City's Childcare Program Will Serve 100,000 Students By September, Indoor Reopenings Could Be Delayed In Phase 4
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - More New York City parents heading back into work will have access to childcare as public schools in the city prepare to reopen in the fall, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday.
The mayor said the city will have a childcare program able to serve more than 100,000 students in grades K-8, as well as children ages 3-4.
"We're going to use every conceivable space," said de Blasio. "The goal is to have everything ready for September."
MORE: New York City Public Schools Will Reopen With 'Blended Learning' Model In Fall, Mayor Says
The city is working with partners across the city to maximize available childcare staff and locations, like community centers, libraries and other community spaces, according to the mayor.
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
- Resources, Hotlines, Unemployment & Covering Bills
- Remote Learning Tools For Parents Teaching At Home
- Ask Dr. Max Your Health Questions
- How Make Your Own DIY Face Mask
- How To Safely Remove Disposable Gloves
- Tips For Parents To Help Kids Cope
- Chopper 2 Over Empty NYC Streets, Landmarks
- Complete Coronavirus Coverage
De Blasio previously announced the city's back to school plan would include a mix of in-person classes and remote learning.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state will only allow districts to reopen in regions that have entered Phase 4.
On Thursday, de Blasio said he felt "cautious" about the city entering the final phase, which could happen Monday, July 20, and suggested indoor reopenings could be delayed.
MORE: Gov. Cuomo: Schools In Phase 4 Regions Allowed To Reopen Under Certain Conditions
"The outdoor elements, I feel good about and confident about, so long as we're clear about the standards and, of course, everything needs oversight and enforcement." he said. "The indoor should proceed only with tremendous caution and very strict rules."
The mayor said Thursday the number of New Yorkers testing positive for COVID-19 remains at two percent, below the 15 percent threshold.
CORONAVIRUS: NY Health Dept. | NY Call 1-(888)-364-3065 | NYC Health Dept. | NYC Call 311, Text COVID to 692692 | NJ COVID-19 Info Hub | NJ Call 1-(800)-222-1222 or 211, Text NJCOVID to 898211 | CT Health Dept. | CT Call 211 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
