B.C.’s top doctor says new guidelines from the province to ensure safety in daycares amid the COVID-19 pandemic will be coming in the next few days.

“[It is] to make sure that we continue to have safe and reliable access to essential childcare during this very difficult time, said Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Speaking on Wednesday, she says its important to ensure childcare services continue safely, especially for people with kids who work in the essential services like healthcare.

“However, as we implement these broad social measures, many parents now are working from home and caring for their children at home, and that is really important, because that does take the pressure off our daycare centres, and ensures that there is reliable and safe childcare for those who do need it,” Henry added.

The province closed all K-12 schools on Tuesday, but in-school daycares remain open for the time-being. The daycares that are open are already implementing rigourous precautions, according to Henry.

“[Things like] enhanced cleaning measures, things like symptom checks, things like reducing the crowding together of people during drop offs and pick ups of children, so staggering schedules,” she said. “Making sure that staff are able to protect themselves as well.”

However, she is reminding parents that the situation could change on short notice in the future, depending on how the virus spreads across the province.