The state Department of Health and Department of Children and Families are at this moment developing plans to close daycare centers in New Jersey while creating provisions to serve the pre-K age children of first responders, according to state Senator Joe Vitale (D-19), who chairs the Senate Health Committee.

Studies show that babies and young children are vulnerable to severe infection if they contract coronavirus.

Reports of positive cases in New Jersey to date include pre-k age children.

“All daycare centers should be closed immediately,” said Vitale, who was on the phone yesterday with the departments on the frontlines of the plan.

On the same week the state of New Jersey moved ahead with closing all public and private schools, an action item on this front is imminent, said the senator from Woodbridge, with the inclusion of a special program for the children of first responders.

As the virus explodes statewide, Vitale said he is confident the departments will offer a plan supported by science.

“Ultimately the governor makes the final call,” Vitale said.

In the meantime, these children are at great risk, and “I am demanding that all daycare centers close,” added the chairman of the Senate Health Committee, in pursuit of the safest possible alternative.