We pay $850 a month so our 2-year-old can go to daycare five days a week.
This weekend, she had a fever. When that happens, you’re supposed to keep ‘em home. So we did that on Monday, but she was still sick, so we kept her home on Tuesday as well.
Then last night, we get the bad news that another parent at the daycare got covid. So now the whole school is going to close down for two weeks.
This is a huge headache. Not only do I have to stay home all day with a toddler, but I have to keep paying the money for the daycare or we lose our spot. That’s how tight and competitive the Missoula daycare market is these days.
This is the second time in the past month that the daycare has closed because of covid.
The first time, one of the teachers was a close-contact with someone, everyone got tested, and they opened after a few days when they got the all-clear.
After that, everyone coming to the door to pick-up or drop-off was asked to wear a mask. That’s the first time I’ve worn a mask in months, but if that’s what they want, fine.
And yet, covid struck nonetheless.
I can’t help but think it’ll happen again, and it’s likely happening all over town right now with various daycares. My family's one of the lucky ones - I work nights, so can stay home and watch the kids during the day if something like this happens. Most parents don't have that luxury, so one has to take off, and how in turn does that affect their employer? Dominoes and repercussions.
In a few weeks, it’ll probably happen at our schools. Will we see entire school closures if someone in a class tests positive, or a single teacher or administrator?
Who knows? It’s hard to say right now, but I don’t think masks are going to do much to stop the spread.
I was going to take my 10-year-old to the Western Montana Fair today, but it’s awfully hard to go on rides with him with a 2-year-old in tow.
Damn you, covid!
The silver lining is that she’ll have a chance to get better now, get rid of this cough and constant runny nose. I hear most of the kids at the daycare are sick right now.
That’s part of life, part of how our bodies deal with the environment and the people around us.
Well, here’s looking forward to August 24...when I can have a free day once again.
