Childcare in Melbourne will close to kids of non-essential workers
Melbourne parents in lockdown are facing serious restrictions on childcare, with Premier Daniel Andrews today announcing a "permit system".
Mr Andrews said the decision was made after seeing the ongoing spread of the Delta variant of the virus on young people.
The permits will only be available for authorised workers and for vulnerable children.
READ MORE: Statewide lockdown for Victoria from 1pm
Childcare in Melbourne's lockdown will soon be subject to a permit system to reduce attendance. Peter Braig
"We will work through the detail of that through the weekend," he said.
More information is expected to be provided shortly, but it is understood it will not apply outside Melbourne.
Mr Andrews also said health advice now recommended the wearing of face-masks by primary-school aged children.
READ MORE: Statewide lockdown for Victoria from 1pm
Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said while this was not a legal requirement, any child who was able to wear a mask, if their parent could find a suitable one, was encouraged to.
"It is a small but very highly effective tool," Professor Sutton said.
Mr Andrews also confirmed that Victoria's plan was to vaccinate school students aged 12 and older by the end of the school year.
READ MORE: Some COVID-19 measures part of our future: PM
"We would aim at least to have a first dose throughout all of those age groups," he said.
"Logic tells you if all of those young people who are quite mobile and moving around and going off on summer holidays, and have not been vaccinated, that is going to spread the virus among unvaccinated people."
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