Coronavirus – Playgroup Preparedness 

11 March 2020

With regards to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Playgroup WA would like to provide the latest information to help guide and support playgroups.

At the time of this statement, the risk of COVID-19 infection remains low in Western Australia, however, the situation continues to evolve and we are mindful of the need to be vigilant in protecting the health of our community.

Whilst it is important to remain alert but not alarmed, we ask that you do not attend playgroup if you are unwell, have returned from a high risk country in the last 14 days, you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive to COVID-19, or you have been tested and are awaiting results.

Please note: any family who is in self-isolation and/or tests positive should notify Playgroup WA and their local playgroup so families that have attended sessions recently can be extra alert to symptoms.

Please find below links to relevant websites to help keep you up to date.

The WA Department of Health has created FAQs that are updated as needed, which you can view here. In this, you can read about the guidelines for self-isolation and self-quarantine if exposed to the virus. The Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080.

Here are some safety practices that the Health Department says will help us to stay healthy:
– Stay home if you are sick, have a fever or cough, or if you have been exposed to someone who has the coronavirus or travelled to a high risk country
– Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue/inner elbow
– Frequently washing your hands for at least 20 seconds
– Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects

You can also view the Playgroup WA Resource Kit for more information on handling Hygiene and Infectious diseases, which we’ve summarised here.

People who have recently travelled to a country that has a higher risk of COVID-19 transmissions (e.g. mainland China, Iran, the Republic of Korea or Italy) may be at risk of becoming unwell. If you have travelled to these countries or been in contact with someone who has been you can find more information here.

With regards to playgroups, follow the precautions listed in the Australian Department of Health Schools and Early Childhood Fact Sheet here. This provides the closest specific advice for playgroups.

They have also created useful posters you may want to print out and display at your playgroup:

For the latest and most accurate updates, please refer to the following websites:

Again, we urge our community to remain alert but not alarmed. We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves and advise you of any information relevant to playgroups.