File photo: Agencies

NEW YORK, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Some 3,000 childcare centers in New York City are allowed to reopen starting July 13, local health authorities said on Tuesday.

The city's Board of Health approved the plan with strict safety requirements, including mandating social distancing and face-covering. The capacity per room is limited to 15 children.

There will also be daily health screenings, regular cleanings, and careful regulation of any items that kids might use in common, said Mayor Bill de Blasio at his briefing.

De Blasio said key data on COVID-19 "consistently shows a low infection rate among children," which prompted the city to reopen childcare centers to relieve parents' burden during the crisis.

"We're in phase three. A lot of people are looking forward to going back to work ... And the only way they can do it is with childcare," said the mayor.

"It's been really, really tough for parents. So, bringing back childcare is crucial," he added.

Nearly all childcare centers in the city were closed in March and April due to COVID-19. Only 125 childcare programs are still running for children of essential workers.

New York City stepped into phase three of reopening on Monday with the reopening of personal care services, while indoor dining is still prohibited.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the city has recorded over 214,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 23,000 related deaths.