While a total of 69 child care centres forming part of the free childcare scheme opened their doors last Friday to hundreds of children, today another 37 centres started to give their services again following the forced closure due to COVID-19, a government statement read.

In the meantime, the number of children attending child care centres on Monday more than doubled, compared to the numbers registered last Friday for a total of almost 1,000 children.

Minister for Education and Employment Owen Bonnici gave these numbers during a visit at the "Manuċċa" childcare centre in Żejtun, which is run by the local council.  The centre was one of the first to open its doors again last Friday.  During this visit Minister Bonnici could notice the precautionary measures which were being undertaken in line with guidelines that were issued by the health authorities following consultation with the main stakeholders.

Bonnici thanked the employees of all child care centres forming part of the free childcare scheme, including those who work in the 14 centres run by the Foundation for Educational Services. He said that those centres are crucial for parents who would want to further their career and work. He appealed to more parents making use of the facilities.

Manuċċa has been operating for the last 6 years and employs 9 people, including a coordinator, a helper and 7 carers.