The YMCA of the Northwoods child care facility in Rhinelander is closed after they were notified a person working in their daycare tested positive for COVID-19.
"Y" CEO Ryan Zietlow says they acted quickly as part of their pledge to maintain health and safety of staff, members and the public. He says they planned a COVID response protocol that included coordination with the Oneida County Health Department. He says Monday they got word of the positive test...
"We know that childcare is an essential service in our community, it's important to take the safety of our children and families as seriously as possible. Regrettably we were notified by the Oneida County Health Department that a member of our staff child care center had been diagnosed with COVID-19. They're currently at home and recovering and we hope all is well from that perspective..."
But after looking at all the options, Zietlow says they wanted to be overly cautious...
"While there was no significant exposure identified throughout the center for any of our children or families, we did, with the overabundance of caution decide to close. While the Oneida County Health Department identified no significant exposure through children, staff or families, from our perspective, taking the over-cautious approach is a better way for our community at this time..."
Zietlow says they decided to close the daycare for a two week period to let the building breathe and to deep clean and disinfect the space. He says while no significant exposure is believed to have happened, Zietlow says they wanted to be extra cautious. He says they will keep in contact with health officials during the down time to see what else could be done.
The facility will be closed until June 29.
