To ask the Minister of Health to publish guidance for (i) childcare and daycare providers that confirms the hygiene and personal protection equipment requirements when they return to full operation; and (ii) parents and carers of people with disabilities, explaining how and when support for families needing childcare or daycare will be provided.

In respect of childcare, updated COVID-19 guidance was published and circulated to all childcare providers on 9 June 2020, which covers hygiene and personal protective equipment. Guidance for parents who need to access childcare, including parents of children with disabilities, has also been published on my Department’s website and NI Direct.

All of the latest guidance regarding childcare is also available on the Family Support NI website at:

https://www.familysupportni.gov.uk/Support/91/covid19-childcare-options-and-associated-guidance.

The public health guidance for all health and social care workers is available on the Public Health Agency website at:

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/guidance-hsc-staff-healthcare-workers-and-care-providers.

Engagement has been ongoing between HSC Trusts, carers and service users in relation to the reopening of a range of facility based services, including adult day care. HSC Trusts have advised that they have redeployed the staff resource to provide appropriate alternative support to vulnerable service users and families on a risk assessed basis, delivered within COVID-19 guidelines.