Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that grandparents and others who provide informal childcare services will be exempt from coronavirus rules in local lockdown areas such as Trafford.
At the moment, government guidance states that in local lockdown areas such as Greater Manchester, childcare can only be provided by people you live with, people in your support bubble or registered childcare providers, including nannies.
But speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, Hancock acknowledged the “concerns” about the impact on families’ childcare arrangements.
“For many, informal childcare arrangements are a lifeline without which they couldn’t do their jobs,” he said.
“Today I’m able to announce a new exemption for looking after children under the age of 14, or vulnerable adults, where that is necessary for caring purposes.
“This covers both formal and informal arrangements.
“It does not allow for play dates or parties, but it does mean that a consistent childcare relationship that is vital for somebody to get to work is allowed.”
Earlier today, the government’s chief scientific adviser warned that if current infection rates continue, the UK could see around 50,000 daily Covid-19 cases by the middle of October.
