A state order closing most daycare takes effect on Thursday, as part of the effort to decrease exposure to the coronavirus. The governor and health officials signaled this move well in advance, and earlier this week Ohio Governor Mike DeWine reported that the number of kids in state-subsidized and private childcare had dropped dramatically. So far, over 2,000 childcare centers have received the special pandemic designation, but as statehouse correspondent Andy Chow reports, there will be limited openings in those facilities.
Child care facilities around the state must apply for temporary pandemic licenses in order to stay open.
But Gov. Mike DeWine says those licenses are limited and those centers can only keep a maximum of six children to a room.
"We are prioritizing these slots. This is a time of national and state emergency, we must reserve these slots for people who are directly involved in health care or first responders."
Other workers eligible for pandemic child care include pharmacy staff, law enforcement, firefighters, and other human services positions.
A list of childcare centers that have been approved for the temporary pandemic license continues to be be updated at the Ohio Jobs and Family Services website.
