How do you take care of your nanny during coronavirus?

Coronavirus regulations have made life chaotic for most families with small children, especially those with working parents.

Schools and daycare centres are closed and parents are left grappling with their conscience about childcare service alternatives as they strive to ensure their children receive the much needed childcare during this pandemic.

While some parents are working remotely from their homes, juggling childcare and work is somewhat crazy and not so many parents can comfortably say they have hacked it.

However, for those with nannies and babysitters, the situation is, to some extent, cushioned as they can rely on the nannies for their children’s care while they concentrate more on other engagements, like work.

While parents with nannies could be having a slightly less crazy moment, they are faced with tough questions since childcare is very hands-on. There is no social distancing when it comes to handling toddlers.

If you are such a parent, you are probably wondering if it is alright to invite a babysitter to your house. Whether you should give your nanny a leave and if the leave should be paid or unpaid. How do you take care of fears that your nanny might put the family at risk?

Let them stay home

When depending on a day-scholar nanny, you might have to consider letting them stay at home unless you really need their assistance because you are an essential worker, or you are working extreme shifts due to the coronavirus instigated adjustments at places of work.

If you want your nanny to continue working, you should keep in mind that everyone who comes to your house could be bringing germs, ergo it is important to minimize potential risks by reducing the number of people coming from outside.

For further assistance, as you make your decisions, CDC provides some guidance for businesses and employers during this coronavirus pandemic.  

Communication

You also need to share vital information with your nanny concerning the coronavirus pandemic.

You can have a talk with your nanny about how the infection spreads and ways they can assist in reducing the risk such as by regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces in the house like doorknobs, and generally keeping the house clean and washing hands.

Correspondingly, you need to ensure that your nanny understands the symptoms of COVID-19. Advise them to inform you immediately they exhibit any of the symptoms.

Similarly, you should make it clear with them that they should stay home if they develop symptoms like fever and cough. While at it, you can also reassure them that you will equally be open about your own condition.

If your nanny falls sick or is put under mandatory quarantine, it is best that you offer paid time off. Remember, if they are not working for you, they may not have any other source of income to survive during these challenging times.