+ What is Baringa doing to protect children and staff from COVID19?

The health, safety and wellbeing of Baringa children and staff is our highest priority. Please refer to the COVID19 Safety Plan

When families, staff and visitors come to Baringa, they may voluntarily:

• Wear a mask (for persons aged 12 years and older);
• Scan the CheckIn CBR app as you enter the centre (for persons aged 16 years and older);

When families, staff and visitors come to Baringa, they must:

• Wash their hands or use hand sanitiser
  
  • as they enter and leave the centre;
    
  • as they enter and leave a room;
    
• Maintain a physical distance of 1.5m from others where reasonably practical;
  • Limit total time at the centre during drop off and pick up where possible;
  • Keep all "home toys" away from the centre (sleeping comfort toys are exempt);
  • Take children's water bottle, milk bottle, clothing and dummies each day; and
  • Encourage safe hygiene practices at home.

+ What is happening with COVID19 Vaccines?

We are grateful for the Baringa Team's efforts to keep ourselves and the children safe. Especially as children under the age of 5 years are not yet eligible for a COVID19 vaccine.

In November 2021, ACT Health mandated for all rostered staff to have had two doses of a COVID19 Vaccine. From 24 January 2022, educators are prioritised for the Booster Vaccine. A booster dose is recommneded to maintain immunity against COVID19.

Staff and families are encouraged to book a Booster vaccine with the ACT COVID19 Vaccination Booking Line on (02) 5124 3999

+ What does it mean for Baringa with the current COVID19 situation in the ACT?

Baringa's priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, children and families. We would would like to acknowledge the hard work of ACT Health and other essential workers during this time.

If we may be able to provide families with any further support please reach out to us at admin@baringa.org.au.

+ Do families and staff have to wear masks at Baringa?

Families and staff may voluntarily wear masks at Baringa.

As of 26 April 2022, ACT Health have directed that masks are no longer mandatory at early childhood education and care settings. Read more on the ACT Health website.

+ What if a child, staff or their household contact test positive to COVID19?

If a child or staff or their household contact test positive to COVID19 please email admin@baringa.org.au and quarantine as directed by ACT Health.

Before returning to Baringa you must:

(1) Follow quarantine and testing requirements from ACT Health;
(2) Continue to monitor for symptoms, and not return to Baringa until all symptoms are gone (even if this might take longer than the relevant isolation period)

+ What if a confirmed case of COVID19 is at Baringa during their infectious period?

If a staff, child or their household contact becomes a confirmed positive case of COVID19, or has been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID19, the required response will depend on the type of exposure risk. Specific instructions will be provided by ACT Health. This information may also be provided by the ACT Regulatory Authority (Children’s Education and Care Assurance, Education Directorate).

As of 26 April 2022, if a staff or child tests positive to COVID19 and was at the centre during their infectious period (2 days prior to testing positive or experiencing symptoms), communications will be provided to families and staff who may have been deemed to have exposure risk.

+ Where can I go to for help for myself?

Please visit our COVID19 Resources our website with links to looking after yourself.

Other helpful services you can contact 24hrs/7day week are:

Lifeline Canberra phone & live chat
Beyond Blue mental health support
Kids Helpline

Baringa staff are also able to access support from our Employment Assistance Program (EAP) provided by Benestar.

+ What government financial support is available?

If your family's work has been affected by COVID, such as reduced wages or loss of employment, you may be eligible for Additional Child Care Subsidy which can cover up to 100% of your child's fees.

If you’re unable to work and earn income because you or someone you’re caring for, has to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID19, you may be eligible for the Australian Government's Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment: