COVID forced the temporary closure of the council-sponsored childcare service provided at Robe and Beachport.

In the lead-up to Christmas, Child Care on Wheels director Karla Dew said it was able to offer two days per week at Beachport and five days in Robe even with the low staff numbers.

“This was until the arrival of COVID within the community,” Ms Dew said in her report to Robe District Council.

“This has affected not only Robe service operation but also at our Beachport site where we have had to close for the remaining of the school holidays.

“At this stage we will reopen when school returns if staff numbers allow.

“Robe had a case of a child testing positive therefore closing the service immediately on January 6.

“Staff and children who were in on the day of the child with COVID attending were asked to have a PCR test and return to care or work after a negative result, the alternative to this was to stay out until 14 days after the child was exposed.

“CCOWS has undergone a deep clean and reopened on January 11.”