TAS COVID-19 cluster restricts ECEC services to both parents as essential workers only

The Tasmanian Premier has released information saying that early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in the North-West of the state can “choose to only accept children where both parents have to leave the home in order to perform essential work duties”.

“If you are at home and can look after your own children, then you should,” the Premier said, as the impact of COVID-19 on the North-West region grows resulting from what was termed “a significant outbreak of coronavirus”.

“It is very important that everyone in the North-West only leave their primary residence when they absolutely need to, and only use ECEC or Family Day care if they have a genuine need for care due to work commitments,” the Premier added. 

The restrictions apply to the municipal areas of Latrobe, Kentish, Devonport, Central Coast, Burnie, Waratah-Wynyard, Circular Head and West Coast. An Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) aided by members of the Australian Defence Force will arrive in Tasmania this week to support the medical needs of the region, where two hospitals have closed as a result of compromised healthcare teams. 

“These are unprecedented times but these measures are necessary to protect the community from the coronavirus threat, and I ask the community to work with us so we can control the outbreak and save lives.

“Our best weapon against coronavirus is social distancing, so please: stay home, save lives” the Premier added. 

To read the statement relating to ECEC services in the North West, please see here. For all statements made by the Premier in relation to the issue, see here.