Working parents may drop their children off to family members for childcare, the health minister has confirmed.

The issue of childcare was clarified at a press briefing.

Health Minister David Ashford said: ’Childcare can take place by family members for the purpose of someone going to work, but only for the purpose of someone going to work. That means physically going out to work, not related to home working.

’Children have to be dropped door-to-door and collected door-to-door and any accompanying adult can’t enter the household.’

All child daycare providers and childminders remain closed to most children except vulnerable children and those whose parents are classed as key workers.

The childcare should only coverthe hours of work and must take place in the home of the family member undertaking the care.

Mr Ashford added: ’Also, it’s care at home so not a social opportunity to go to the park etc. Equally, for clarity, childcare should not be undertaken by any family member who is self-isolating or has received a shielding letter.’

As the pandemic measures stand, the public can meet loved ones by visiting at a pre-arranged time and talking to them while they are at a window or doorstep and you are two metres away in the garden or on the street.

There are no restrictions on the amount of time you spend outside of your home.