Unpacking COVID rules: childcare in the Southern Highlands and Tablelands

That's why this series of articles unpacks and clears up aspects of the rules as they apply to the Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands. For more information on outdoor exercise and recreation in the region, read this previous article.

For part two of the series, let's talk about childcare and parenting during COVID.

Early childhood education and care services continue to operate in regional NSW so if you have more questions pertaining to this, contact your childcare centre to ask about any changes to their operations.

$1000 on the spot fines exist for breach of a public health order.

Can I visit a household if it is for childcare?

While visiting another person is generally not a reasonable excuse to leave your home, childcare is classed as an exemption. However, only one person is allowed to visit for childcare.

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Understand the risks

Premier Gladys Berejiklian pleaded to parents to keep children at home where possible.

"We are also encouraging that unless you have to, please do not send your children to childcare or early childhood [learning centres]," Ms Berejiklian said.

Positive infections have been reported at schools and childcare centres in the past.

Can I pick up or drop off my child at my parents house or can my parent come to my house for childcare reasons?

Yes, but remember carpooling is not allowed and face masks must be worn.

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What about picking up or dropping off my child at my friends house?

Yes that is also permitted. Any childcare arrangement applies.

If I am a child carer, can I also visit other households on different days to look after different children?

While this is technically not a breach of the public health orders, it does open you and each household up to further risk that could potentially be otherwise avoided.

Can I visit another Local Government Area to pick up or drop off my child from childcare - even if it is more than 5km from home?

Yes, unless it can be avoided.

For further enquiries into NSW Public Health Orders, call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

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