This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, parents are facing difficult decisions about their household staff, including nannies. With many day-scholars among them, some parents are wondering if they can let their nannies go or if they need to keep them on.
Published on May 7, 2020, the COVID-19 situation has led to a new reality for many families. With children stuck at home and parents working from home, the need for nannies has changed.
For those who need nannies, especially those in critical and essential services jobs, there are several scenarios where having a nanny around may not be necessary.
One such scenario is when you are self-quarantining. In this case, it's best to have your nanny stay away for the weeks you will be in isolation. This is because your nanny will be exposed to more people when they walk or interact with people as they leave for work or go back home.
However, your day-scholar nanny can actually assist you with shopping for supplies and vegetables as you quarantine. You can send them money and they bring you things you will need in the house. This can actually be done without making any contact with them.
Another scenario is when you have suspicions that your nanny could be exposed to the virus. In this case, you can release them so that they quarantine themselves for the required time to ascertain they haven't contracted the virus or prevent further spread of the virus.
Additionally, when your nanny has to use public transport to get to your house, they are likely to interact with more people thus increasing their exposure. You can curb this by resorting to doing the cleaning and cooking for the time being until this pandemic dies down.
Lastly, when your nanny has a family of their own, it would be best to give them a paid leave or work on a flexible schedule to help them work more efficiently with you. This is especially true during this time when everyone is staying home and maintaining social distance.
Ultimately, the decision to keep or let go of a nanny during the COVID-19 pandemic depends on individual circumstances. However, by being mindful of the risks and taking necessary precautions, parents can ensure the health and safety of both their nannies and their families.
