Expanded Government Support for Childcare of Medical and Quarantine Workers... Up to 90% Assistance

For Healthcare and Support Staff Including Doctors, Nurses, and Clinical Pathologists
Up to 90% Government Support for Idolbom Service Fees
Hourly Rate Reduced from 10,040 Won to 4,016 Won

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] From March, government support for childcare services for medical staff and quarantine workers working in COVID-19 medical sites will be expanded.

On the 23rd, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced that special childcare service support will be provided to families experiencing childcare gaps among essential healthcare personnel and support staff working at medical institutions, screening clinics, and quarantine response agencies.

Support is available when children aged 12 or under are at home without attending educational, childcare, or care facilities, and parents cannot care for them due to both working. Eligible personnel include healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, clinical pathologists, radiologists, and those responsible for COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment, and patient care at dedicated hospitals and public relief hospitals, as well as staff who have direct contact with COVID-19 testees at screening clinics.

According to a preliminary demand survey, out of approximately 39,000 COVID-19 medical and quarantine workers, about 3,000 require childcare services. Special support is scheduled to begin in March when the new school term starts, and extension will be reviewed monthly considering the COVID-19 situation.

The government will expand its support for childcare service fees from the previous 0-85% to 60-90%. The burden on user families will be reduced by up to 60%. The hourly service fee will decrease from 10,040 KRW to 4,016 KRW. Since quarantine work is conducted 24 hours, the service can be used without restrictions on time or day.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family plans to separately provide transportation expenses for nighttime and short-term care under two hours to help applicants quickly find caregivers. Additionally, they intend to expand supply by encouraging inactive caregivers or those with childcare or kindergarten teacher certifications to participate, and by linking with nearby idle caregivers for dispatch.

The usage procedure has also been simplified. Normally, one must obtain a National Happiness Card, submit income verification documents to local governments, and then apply through the childcare service website. However, under this special support, users can apply and immediately use the service through the childcare service website even before income assessment is completed.

Minister Jeong Young-ae of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said, "It was very regrettable that medical staff and quarantine workers who work day and night on the front lines to protect the health and safety of the people had to worry about childcare issues as well. Through this special childcare service support, I hope that medical staff and quarantine workers, who are silently performing their duties wearing protective suits soaked with sweat today, can worry less about childcare."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.