Babysits Coronavirus (COVID-19) Policy

Babysits Coronavirus (COVID-19) Policy

By Babysits
14 min read

Updated November 9 2021 - Babysitting during Coronavirus (COVID-19). At Babysits, we want to give our community the best support possible and do our part in keeping you updated on what the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic means for you as a babysitter, childminder or parent.

What does the Coronavirus (COVID-19) mean for you as a parent or babysitter?

Although we do our best to provide our community with up-to-date and accurate information, we advise that you check the Australian Government Department of Health for further information.

Below we have outlined what the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) means for you as a babysitter or parent seeking babysitting services, depending on the state in which you live.

Coronavirus Restrictions in Victoria

  • Masks are mandatory indoors for anyone aged 12 and over, and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
  • Checking in with the Service Victoria app is mandatory in every location.
  • Carrying proof of vaccination is necessary to enter almost every venue (except for children under 16 and those carrying a valid medical exemption).
  • In-home gatherings are limited to 10 people a day (including inhabitants) whereas in public spaces you are allowed to meet max 30 people (including dependants).
  • Schools and early childhood education facilities are open, however on-site measures may apply.
  • Vaccination requirements don't apply to community sports, however, sporting facilities can only be accessed when fully vaccinated.
  • Food and drink facilities, events, tours are open only if everyone present is fully vaccinated.

See latest restrictions here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-live

Restrictions Regional Victoria

See latest restrictions here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-live-information-regional-victoria

Is babysitting allowed in Victoria?

Childcare providers are listed as authorised to perform essential work during this period.
See full list of authorised workers here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/authorised-provider-and-authorised-worker-list

You are permitted to leave your home to care for children and may enter another person's home for the purpose of caring for their children. This applies to all children, not just those of permitted workers.

The Victoria Government this regarding childcare work in Metropolitan Melbourne:

Childcare, family day care, early learning centres and kinders will remain open. A permit is not required.

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-live

The Victoria Government also mentions this specifically about receiving a childcare provider in your home:

Can I get a baby-sitter to come to my home or take my children to someone’s house to have them minded?
Guidance note regarding in-home childcare:

In-home childcare (paid or unpaid) should only be provided for children under primary school age if one of their parents is an Authorised Worker, who is working offsite or from home (or has returned from shift work and needs to rest), and alternative arrangements for supervision cannot be made. Only one parent/carer needs to be an authorised worker to access in-home childcare. A permit is not required for this type of care.

People in at-risk cohorts, such as grandparents or elderly relatives, are strongly advised not to participate in in-home child-minding arrangements and should limit their movements as much as possible. 

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/social-gatherings

Coronavirus Restrictions in South Australia

As of November 9 2021, South Australia is subject to level 1 restrictions.

Specifically:

  • 1 person per 2 square metres (for non-seated activities)
  • Gathering at home cap: 20 (gatherings at residential premises, including residents of residential premises)
  • Private activity cap: 150 (private activities at non-residential premises)
  • Masks for high risk settings
  • Masks for personal care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the personal care service)
  • Masks for health care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the health care service)
  • Masks for indoor fitness facilities (except while excersising)
  • Masks for passenger transport services
  • Masks for shared indoor public places (except bridal parties during ceremonies)

Is babysitting allowed in South Australia?

Babysitting is allowed in South Australia. When there have been stay at home requirements, an exception to these has generally been: "to provide child-minding assistance (whether on a paid or voluntary basis), so that the parent or guardian of a child can leave their own home."

As of Sep 21, there are no stay at home requirements. However, this is subject to change as the situation evolves. Check Covid-19 SA for more information.

Coronavirus Restrictions in Queensland

As of November 9 2021, Stage 3 restrictions apply for all of Queensland, including Local Government Areas of Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Townsville (including Magnetic Island), and Palm Island:

  • Queenslanders can have up to 100 people in their homes (this number includes household members).
  • No limit to gatherings in outdoor public spaces.
  • One per person per 2 square metres indoors.

Masks must be worn when at stadiums, airports, and on a domestic or international flight departing or arriving in Queensland. Everyone is encouraged to carry and wear a mask when physically distancing is not possible.

  • Public Transport and ride share: must wear a mask including while waiting for the transport in a public space such as a bus stop, taxi rank or train station.
  • Outdoors: you must wear a mask when unable to stay 1.5m apart from people who are not part of your household.
  • Indoors: you must wear a mask in indoor spaces (including workplaces, but not your own home) unless it is unsafe or you can stay 1.5m apart from other people.
  • Schools: Masks must be worn by teachers and staff (all schools), plus students in high school.

For more information, head to the relevant Queensland Government page.

Is babysitting allowed in Queensland?

Currently, babysitting is allowed in Queensland. However, we advise that families have one regular babysitter rather than multiple babysitters. This way, you can better monitor the number of people entering your home and potentially spreading the virus.

Coronavirus Restrictions in NT

NT has adopted a lockout strategy. As of November 9 2021, the areas currently in lockout are:
* City of Darwin
* City of Palmerston
* Litchfield Council
* Wagait Shire
* Belyuen Shire
* Dundee
* Bynoe
* Charlotte
* Cox Peninsula

Those who are fully vaccinated are able to live normally within the lockout area. However, those who are unvaccinated or have only received their first-dose of COVID-19 vaccine must stay home and are only allowed to leave their place of residence for the following reasons:
* medical treatment, including COVID testing and vaccination.
* essential goods and services.
* essential work, but only vaccinated essental workers can leave the lockout area to go to work.
* one hour of outdoor excersise per day, within 5 km from the place of residence with another person from the same household.
* provide essential care to family members who are unable to support themselves.

Katherine Mask Mandate

Until Friday November 12 2021, a mask mandate will be in place in Katherine. Masks are required when physical distancing of 1.5m is not possible.

  • Travel across NT is possible, but additional restrictions still apply when travelling outside of the Katherine area.
  • Face masks are mandatory when social distancing is not possible.
  • The Territory Check-in app is mandatory for businesses, organisations and places.
  • Masks have to be worn in café and restaurants but can be removed when seated.

All businesses and places where customers and clients visit need to use The Territory Check-In App. Pen and paper will still be permitted. You are required to check in everywhere you go, no matter how long you spend at that location.

Next to this, the Nothern Territory Government advises that citizens, "There are no restrictions on the reasons to leave home once the lockdowns are lifted but staying COVIDSafe remains important."

https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/

Is babysitting allowed in the NT?

Currently, it is okay to babysit in the NT. However, we advise that families have one regular babysitter rather than multiple babysitters. This way, you can better monitor the number of people entering your home and potentially spreading the virus.

Coronavirus Restrictions in WA

As of November 9 2021, WA remains under a state of emergency, this entails the following:

  • No capacity limits. This means private gatherings, concerts, sporting games, and weddings can go ahead at full capacity.
  • Checking in at businesses and venues using SafeWA, or by leaving your details on a contact register.
  • Restricted access to residential aged care facilities and remote Aboriginal communities.
  • Travel is permitted to and from interstate and New Zealand. Travellers are encouraged to download the G2G Now app.

The situation is constantly evolving. For more information, visit the WA Gov website.

Is babysitting allowed in Western Australia?

Babysitting is currently allowed in Western Australia. However, we ask that you maintain active in following the guidelines set out by the WHO. If you experience COVID-19 symtoms, refrain from attending any scheduled babysitting appointments.

Coronavirus Restrictions in Tasmania

Face Masks Regulations

  • Masks are mandatory for events with over 1000 people in attendance, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Masks have to be worn in the premises of public and private hospitals, and day-procedure facilities.
  • Masks must be worn in indoor areas of airports, in boarding and on board of commercial domestic aircrafts.
  • You can travel and stay anywhere within Tasmania, so long as you comply with the indoor and outdoor restrictions on gatherings. Those traveling to Tasmania from outside Tasmania must comply with stricter border regulations, based on the risk level of their place of origin.
  • Gatherings at households are limited to 100 people at any one time (not including residents of the household).

Limits on public gatherings are now determined by the density of area, with a maximum of:

  • 250 people an undivided indoor space
  • Masks are required if there are more than 1000 people at an event, regardless of whether the event is seated or unseated, indoors, or outdoors
  • 1 person per 2 square metres

The Tasmanian Government asks that Tasmanian citizens "... maintain physical distancing at all times when you are out (staying at least 1.5 metres from other people), wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes. You should not visit others or have visitors to your home if you are unwell."

Is babysitting allowed in Tasmania?

Babysitting is currently allowed in Tasmania. However, we ask that you maintain active in following the guidelines set out by the WHO and the Tasmanian Government. If you experience COVID-19 symptoms, refrain from attending any scheduled babysitting appointments.

Coronavirus Restrictions in the ACT

From November 12 2021, the following restrictions apply:

  • Masks must be worn when visiting high-risk facilities, using public transport, or in any indoor settings in schools and early childhood care facilities.
  • There are no limits to the number of visitors to a home or participants in indoors and outdoors gatherings.
  • Schools are back to on-campus learning in accordance to health guidelines.
  • For restaurants and event venues, 25 people are allowed (excl. staff) before density limits apply.

Restrictions include:

  • No more than 5 visitors per household (children under 12 excluded)
  • Outdoor gatherings are allowed up to 25 people
  • Masks are still mandatory at all times for people over the age of 12.

https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/

Is babysitting allowed in the ACT?

Childcare remains open and is listed as an essential service by the ACT government.

However, we ask that you maintain active in following the guidelines set out by the WHO. If you experience COVID-19 symtoms, refrain from attending any scheduled babysitting appointments.

Coronavirus Restrictions in NSW

As of November 9 2021, the following restrictions apply for NSW:

  • Masks must be worn in indoor areas, on public transport, if your work requires you to interact with the general public, while boarding and on board an aircraft.
  • If all members of a household over 16 years of age are fully vaccinated, there are no restrictions to the number of fully vaccinated visitors to the home.
  • People aged over 16 years who are not vaccinated cannot visit other households except in limited circumstances (including caring and compassionate visits).
  • When you are not fully vaccinated, sport and excersise gatherings can be attended only with another person in your household.
  • Recreation and information facilities, public swimming pools, gyms are only open to those who are fully vaccinated.
  • If you are not fully vaccinated, you can only visit essential stores such as grocery stores, petrol stations, medical supplies stores, post offices.
  • If you are fully vaccinated, you can visit non-essential stores upon presenting vaccination evidence.

Read about all the restrictions that apply to you here https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/rules

Is babysitting allowed in NSW?

It appears as though, babysitting is currently allowed in NSW (including Greater Sydney areas and regional/rural areas. However, we ask that you maintain active in following the guidelines set out by the WHO. If you experience COVID-19 symtoms, refrain from attending any scheduled babysitting appointments.

However, we aren't the top authority on COVID-19 regulations, so if you are in doubt, we'd highly suggest getting in touch with your local government for any specific clarifications or advice.

In addition, minors who live in stay-at-home areas and areas of concern across NSW will be able to create a bubble of three friends and visit each other’s homes for play and activity. Read more about it here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/friends-bubble-created-for-children-to-allow-visits-time-for-school-holidays{rel=nofollow target=_blank}

You should find contact details readily available for NSW for example on their covid response website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/greater-sydney#contacts-and-enquiries

Similarly, a covid hotline is generally readily available to call in every state and can be found on the government websites.

Extra Tips for Parents and Babysitters

We ask that you do take measures to protect the safety of yourself and others. For example, we recommend that parents have one regular babysitter rather than multiple babysitters. This way, you can better monitor the number of people entering your home and potentially spreading the virus.

Furthermore, we suggest that babysitters consider virtual babysitting and online homework help as viable babysitting options. For more information, please click here.

If you have further questions, you can contact our customer service and we'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Coronavirus babysitting measures

For more information about babysitting safely during the Covid-19 pandemic, please refer to the link below.

Safe babysitting in times of social distancing

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