Nunanny is classified as an essential service provider (under level 5, and all subsequent lower levels) and is fully operational at all times.
COVID-19 and CHILDCARE: LIVING IN A NEW NORMAL
Dear parent,
The coronavirus epidemic is highlighting the need for child care services more than ever. But what exactly does that look like in terms of health safety in these unprecedented times? Understandably you may be concerned about our nanny’s health, as well as the wellbeing of yourself and your loved ones as our nannies enter your home.
Nunanny is committed to providing quality childcare to our clients — in as safe a way as possible.
That’s why, as the owner of Nunanny, I want to personally update you on the preventative measures and hygiene protocols we’ve put in place to keep both our child carers and clients safe. We’ve outlined these measures in a series of FAQs in the rest of this document.
Above all, we’ve encouraged our child carer workers to take everyday common sense measures that will help protect themselves, their families and others.
We would love to hear from you about what would be most helpful to you in these changing times – or even to just say hello. You can get in touch with me at melisa@nunanny.co.za.
Yours in childcare,
Melisa
THE NEW NORMAL
Yes. Childcare agencies are essential services and will therefore still be able to provide care throughout all phases of the lockdown period (including phase 5). Nunanny is also one of the few childcare agencies that employs our nannies when they are booked through us. That means we take care of UIF, PAYE and Payroll for placements under 3 months.
The fewer people your family and child carer come into contact with, the better. By avoiding public transportation and using their own cars – whether that’s transport you arrange, or using an e-hailing service like Uber – your child carer can minimise the risk of infection to your family and hers. You may be happy for your nanny to take public transport, and if they are also happy to do so they can, as they will have their essential services permit with them.
Yes, it is. Nunanny operates on a minimum 4 hour booking, and you can book one of our screened Nunannies on the website on by registering, choosing your nanny, and paying securely online via our website. You can also fill in this form and we will call you to make the booking.
We’ve provided all our nannies with a credit to buy face masks and hand sanitisers from a supplier close to their homes.
As a childcare business, we’ve advised our nannies to wash and sanitise their hands throughout the day, rather than wear gloves. This is because the virus can survive on plastic for longer than it can on your hands. Washing with soap and water for 20 seconds is therefore our recommended option. We also advise that they dry their hands properly too.
We’ve instructed our nannies to inform us immediately if they experience any of the symptoms listed in the next section. If this is the case, we will take them off our booking system immediately, and they will not be penalised. If you have recently booked a nanny who then starts feeling sick within 14 days of the booking, we will inform you immediately.
CORONAVIRUS: SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT
What are symptoms of coronavirus?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell.
What is the prognosis?
Most people recover without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
How is the virus transmitted?
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.
TESTING FOR CORONAVIRUS
Should I get tested?
It’s important that COVID-19 tests are made available to those who really need them. That’s why the tests are reserved for those who meet specific criteria.
Phone 0800 029 999 (FREE OF CHARGE),your doctor, or a designated healthcare facility if you have:
- Symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath)
- Been exposed to someone confirmed positive for the coronavirus
If you fit this criteria, you’ll be directed where you should go for testing.
How much does the test cost?
Public sector testing for the coronavirus is free of charge. Private labs (such as Lancet, Pathcare, and Ampath) can also test for it, and the current cost is between R1100 and R1400. Please enquire with the respective lab for their costing and check with your medical aid to see if they’ll cover it.
Source: SAnews
RESOURCES
For more official news and information from the South African government about the coronavirus pandemic, please visit:
Emergency Hotline: 0800 029 999
(Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm)
WhatsApp Support Line: 0600 123 456
