Babysitters allowed during Third Step

THE Third Step on Victoria’s coronavirus roadmap has seen the welcome return of cafes, restaurants and some other venues that regional Victorians can now sit down at and enjoy.
Parents hoping for a lunch date or an evening out without children but worried about the “household bubble” can rest easy – babysitters are allowed to visit homes under the latest easing of restrictions.
Under the Third Step, you can arrange in-home child minding. Visitors to your home must wear a face covering, and keep at least 1.5 metres distance between themselves and others where possible.
People may also drop their child at childcare or at the house of a friend or family member so they can be cared for.
These arrangements are outside of the new household bubble rules, under which two households in regional Victoria can form a bubble with each other and allow up to five people from each household to visit the other.
Earlier this week, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said he was thrilled that regional Victorians could now enjoy seated dining and travel to the Geelong region’s tourist hotspots to begin its economic recovery.
“I encourage regional Victorians to get out and enjoy our regions. I’ve spent this weekend on a trip down the Great Ocean Road to Port Campbell, supporting local cafes and tourist attractions.”
There are three other kinds of people allowed to visit the home (wearing face coverings and keeping 1.5 metres apart) under the Third Step:
A tradesperson visiting to fix a fault in your home, such as plumbing, wi-fi or electrical
A person coming in to provide necessary services or care (for example, cooking or cleaning), and
Medical or emergency services staff coming to your home to render assistance.For more information on coronavirus restrictions and the roadmap, phone the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or head to the DHHS website at dhhs.vic.gov.au/third-step-restrictions-regional-victoria-covid-19.