Mask concerns at summer camp

Chico Area Recreation and Park District has implemented new guidelines for its youth camps that have parents concerned.

The chico area recreation and parks district has new covid 19 guidelines for youth camps ...that have some parent concerned.

Action news nows vanessa romo joins us live with what both sides are saying about the change.

We had several parents contact us today - concerned about their children's health and safety while participating in card's activities.

But i also spoke to card&and it says its just following the guidelines mandated by the state.

As of monday--- chico area recreation and park district is requiring children participating in its camps to wear a mask while outdoors in public spaces&.

This morning it was already 80 degrees and i said call me if you are having trouble and she had her mask on and said mom i already can't breathe& concerning to many parents& my concern is that she will be wearing the mask in 106 heat and it will restrict the oxygen that she would be able to take in& it's hard enough to breathe in this heat last week the state of california mandated people to wear face coverings in public spaces when social distancing isn't possible.

And as a public agency, card followed to ensure the safety of its kids and staff& this is a new environment for everybody and we are going to continue to navigate it and make adjustments as necessary& i think this week is challenging because of the heat& hitting the triple digits& but card says children can take off their masks when they are in an active activity like swimming, hiking and running--- or when they are six feet apart.

We will make every effort that we possibly can to physically distance kids and reduce that need for a mask but when they are in close proximity we are asking kids to wear a mask& other guidelines include&new drop off procedures, smaller pods, sanitation stations and it says its staff will always wear its masks.

We are happy to offer these services to our community while theyre in a modified format.

We appreciate the feedback and again if we can all remember we're in this together and all trying to figure it out.

Card says parents can get their children a medical exemption card from a doctor if needed.