NORWICH – The Norwich YMCA is partnering with those deemed essential work force employees and providing childcare for their families.

“Emergency Child Care is an essential service that we've built on with our relationship with [Chenango Memorial Hospital]. They are contracting with us for their employees. As well as other essential employees like for nursing homes, police, fire, and EMS,” said YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen.

Mullen stated this is a coordinated effort with the Chenango County Department of Health and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services

The child care service is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. To 5:30 p.m. and financial assistance is available for participants.

The Y was encourage to extend hours by parents from the community and the Y announced the child care service would stay open after schools closed. One person commented on the Y's Facebook page in regards to the child care service saying, "I don’t really understand the point of school closing if you’re going to hoard them into a smaller space.”

However Mullen said the YMCA had contacted health professionals and was taking extra precautions. A nurse will be on site do a screening and temperature checks of each staff and child before they are allowed to enter the facility.