So far, centres in Canterbury Bankstown seem to have escaped the debilitating illness, with Busy Bees at Georges Hall and Padstow Play & Learn staff describing themselves as lucky.
It could have been a different story at Bankstown Montessori, though, had conscientious parents not made the decision to keep their children at home after noticing they appeared unwell.
Montessori’s staff member Kay said they were thankful of having “really good parents”.
“Two of the families got in contact and said they would be keeping their children home for the week as they suspected they had gastro,” she said.
“So luckily, the bug didn’t reach our centre and we are all really well; it’s important for parents and staff to keep an eye out and act quickly if a child falls ill.”
NSW Health Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Richard Broome said 156 outbreaks of gastroenteritis in early childhood education centres were reported in NSW in February.
“Almost 1,000 children and more than 210 staff members have been affected to date, a 97 per cent increase above the number normally reported for February,” Dr Broome said.
Gastro outbreak hits city childcare centres
HUNDREDS of children and staff have been struck down with stomach bugs, with parents urged to keep children at home in the wake of gastroenteritis outbreaks in childcare being reported to NSW Health.