Goodstart Early Learning brings back mask mandate in Victoria

Goodstart Early Learning staff in Victoria will be required to wear masks when working in its centres after Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie recommended that masks be required for staff working in early childhood services.

“Goodstart constantly reviews its COVID safe practices and growing case numbers; significantly increased sickness in our teams and the chief health officer’s strong recommendations to wear masks indoors all influenced our decision,” the provider said in a statement.

“Masks are now being worn by all our in-centre teams (unless they have a medical exemption or are teaching) and we’ve asked parents to also mask up during drop off and pick up.”

Recognising that while “none of us will be excited about the return to mask wearing,” Goodstart believes masks are “an important part of keeping our children, teams, and our families as safe as possible. This is especially important as children under five are generally not vaccinated against COVID”.

The “teaching” exemption will apply to situations where educators or early childhood teachers are working in a situation where clear enunciation or visibility of their mouth is essential.

Goodstart will review the mask mandate as health advice changes. Vaccines remain mandated for Goodstart staff.

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