Support for services and families affected by the COVID-19 lockdown in Katherine has now ended.
This follows the Northern Territory Government transitioning Katherine from a lockdown to a lockout from 12pm on Saturday 27 November.
Details are available on the NT Government COVID-19 response website.
Business continuity payments
Services in Katherine were eligible for a business continuity payment during the lockdown if they met conditions. These services will still get a payment for the fortnight 15 to 28 November.
Waiving gap fees
Services in Katherine must resume charging gap fees from 28 November.
Until 30 June 2022, services can waive gap fees and get Child Care Subsidy (CCS) if a child is unable to attend care because:
- they, or a member of their immediate household, must isolate due to COVID-19
- the service, or a room at the service, is closed on advice from the state or territory government due to COVID-19
- the state or territory has restricted access to child care in a region due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 absences
Regular absence provisions apply from 28 November.
Families have 10 extra allowable absences per child for the 2021–22 financial year. This brings the total number of allowable absences available to 52.
Go to our COVID-19 webpage for more information about support.
What Lajamanu and Binjari lockdowns mean for child care
Support is available for families affected by the lockdowns in Lajamanu and Binjari.
Services can waive gap fees for children residing in this area who do not attend care during lockdown.
Additional allowable absences are available to families who live in Lajamanu and Binjari.
Services don’t need to do anything to access these absences. They will be automatically applied in the Child Care Subsidy System.
See the Early childhood COVID-19 support by region page for more information.