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As the omicron variant spreads, metro childcare centers are presented with a new set of challenges

By Michele Newell, WPXI-TV
By Michele Newell, WPXI-TV

ATLANTA — Childcare centers in Georgia are trying to stay ahead of the omicron variant, but it’s almost impossible because of how quickly it spreads.

Channel 2′s Michelle Newell spoke with Sharon Foster, owner of Bells Ferry Learning Center, about how she is navigating the challenges omicron is presenting.

“90% of my staff got vaccinated as soon as the vaccine became available to us,” said Foster.

Foster has been working overtime to protect her staff and children from COVID-19.

“At Bells Ferry, we even went a step further and put HVAC UV lighting in our HVAC system to kill the bacteria that is in the recirculated air,” said Foster.

But tackling the omicron variant has been Foster’s biggest challenge.

“Throughout the entire pandemic we’ve only had to close about eight or 10 individual classrooms this whole time and all of a sudden, this week we’ve had to close 3,” said Foster.

The CEO of the Georgia Childcare Association, Ellen Reynolds, says the challenges that centers are facing, are widespread.

“Childcare centers with this omicron variant are facing a lot of challenges across Georgia,” said Reynolds.

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Her team is busy helping hundreds of childcare centers navigate various problems, including some confusion on guidance.

“One center in Gwinnett got a call initially saying teachers had to quarantine 10 days and then they actually got a call back saying it was actually five,” said Reynolds.

Reynolds and her team are working to clear up this kind of confusion amongst providers.

“We’ve been working with the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Department of Early Care Learning to develop new guidance based on the CDC’s most recent updates,” said Reynolds.

Reg Griffin, the spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, says revised guidance will be available very soon.

“It’s in the hands of DPH at this point, it’s going through a final review and we fully expect to have it posted in the immediate future. Hoping for this week, possibly next week,” said Griffin.

Information on current guidelines for childcare centers in Georgia can be found here

Georgia's Dept. of Health met to discuss how COVID-19 is being handled as omicron surges The Georgia Dept. of Health hold its monthly meeting to discuss plans against the omicron variant

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