Health

Boston Mayor: Childcare is ‘urgent statewide priority’ for reopening MA and ‘more clarity’ is needed

BOSTON — As the state’s economy begins to reopen and employees return to work, childcare will be critical to returning to normal, said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

25 Investigates’ Kerry Kavanaugh asked the mayor during this daily COVID-19 daily press briefing to weigh in on a proposal being considered by the state to temporarily eliminate infant care at Massachusetts day cares, at least in the initial reopening phases.

>> Previous from 25 Investigates: State’s plan to reopen day cares may exclude infants, internal document shows

Walsh did not directly respond to the question but said the future of childcare in the state needs to be carefully examined.

“This issue is going to be certainly an urgent statewide priority,” Walsh said. “I agree with those who say we need to be more creative and provide more clarity. We continue to be in dialogue with providers and families and ready to work with the state on a plan.”

He also urged parents who can work from to take advantage of that and do their best to avoid group care settings.

There are about 30 emergency childcare centers in the city of Boston. The facilities were set up to provide care to the children of essential workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Boston Resiliency Fund has been used to sustain nine YMCA childcare locations in Boston.

“In all we have granted nearly a million dollars to ensure emergency slots stay open until the end of June,” Walsh said.

To find emergency childcare locations in Boston, click here.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here


RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV