'No play dates or parties': Government announces childcare exemption for areas under local lockdown

Matt Hancock has announced an exemption for people living in areas of local lockdown where mixing households is forbidden, allowing care for under-14s or vulnerable adults.

The health secretary said he had heard parents’ concerns, acknowledging that childcare arrangements were a “lifeline” for many people, “without which they couldn’t do their jobs”.

However, he said the easing of the rules to allow for childcare “does not allow for play dates or parties, but it does mean that a consistent childcare relationship that is vital for somebody to get to work is allowed”.

He added: "I’ve heard their concerns about the impact of local action on childcare arrangements. I’m able to announce a new exemption for looking after children under the age of 14 or vulnerable adults where that is necessary for caring purposes. This covers both formal and informal arrangements.”

The cabinet minister also confirmed plans unveiled at the weekend to provide people on low incomes, who need to self-isolate due to coronavirus, a £500 payment from next Monday.

“Self-isolation can be tough for many people, especially if you’re not in a position to work from home,” he said. “I don’t want anyone having to worry about their finances while they’re doing the right thing.

“So we will introduce a £500 isolation support payment for people on low incomes who can’t work because they have tested positive or [been] asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.”

Addressing the chaos in the testing system last week, Mr Hancock set out criteria for the “prioritisation” of those eligible for tests. He confirmed those people with acute clinical needs would first in line, with care homes and the NHS also prioritised as demand for testing outstrips capacity.

He said: “The testing capacity we have is valuable. And we must together prioritise it for the people who need it the most.

"Today we've published our list of where tests are being prioritised, setting out how we will make sure tests are allocated where they're needed most. First, to support acute clinical care. Second, to support and protect people in care homes.

"Third, NHS staff including GPs and pharmacists. Fourth, targeted testing for outbreak management and surveillance studies. Fifth, testing for teaching staff with symptoms, so we can keep schools and classes open. And then the general public when they have symptoms, prioritising those in areas of high incidence."

The health secretary’s remarks come as Boris Johnson prepares to address MPs on Tuesday after meeting with senior officials to consider a potential ramping up of restrictions on public life in response to the increasing transmission rate of Covid-19 across the UK.

Mr Hancock’s statement also followed a stark warning from the chief scientific and medical officers, who said on Monday the country could see 50,000 new coronavirus cases a day by mid-October – leading to more than 200 daily deaths – if the rate of infections continues at current levels.