12 FebSnap lock down announced in Victoria from 11.59pm tonight – Childcare and kindergartens to remain open
The Victorian Government has announced the state will enter a five-day snap lock down from 11:59pm tonight until 11:59pm on Wednesday 17 February due to the growing ‘Holiday Inn’ cluster in Melbourne. The Premier has advised that while school students will need to learn from home (unless they need onsite supervision as the children of essential workers) childcare and kindergarten services will remain open.
ELAA does not have any further specific details as to how the snap lock down affects our sector at this time. We anticipate the Victorian Department of Education and Training will provider further operational details and we will communicate this via our email, website and social media channels as soon as this information is at hand.
Other general restrictions in place for the coming lock down include:
• There will be four reasons to leave your home:
1. shopping for the things you need
2. care and care giving
3. exercise
4. and work, if it is essential.
• Exercise and shopping will be limited to five kilometres from your home. If there’s no shops in your five-kilometre radius, you’ll be able to travel to the ones closest to you.
• Face masks will need to be worn indoors and outdoors – whenever you leave home.
• You won’t be able to have visitors to your home, and any public gatherings won’t be able to go ahead.
• Gyms, pools, community centres, entertainment venues and libraries will close.
• All non-essential retail will close, but essential stores like supermarkets, bottle shops and pharmacies will remain open.
• Cafes and restaurants will only be able to offer take-away.
• Funerals will be able to go ahead with up to ten people. Weddings will need to be postponed.
CLICK HERE to read the Premier’s announcement
ELAA understands how this sudden announcement may concern ECEC providers. To stay up to date with the latest developments you can:
monitor the Vic Department of Education and Training website
monitor the Vic Department of Health and Human Services website
monitor your email inbox for updates from ELAA
Visit our COVID 19 FAQ page
Regards
David Worland
CEO
