Territory education workers are to face a COVID-19 vaccination mandate as the ACT Chief Health Officer prepares to sign a new public health direction.
Announced by Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, the mandate is to apply to certain staff working across early childhood settings, primary schools and out of school care, as well as specialist and flexible education settings, for the remainder of 2021.
“This will help to reassure parents of children under 12 – and particularly vulnerable children – that everything possible is being done to reduce the risk of COVID-19 as we go back to school and early childhood education and care,” Mr Barr said.
“This direction will cover staff including teachers, early childhood educators, learning and support staff, administrative staff (including building services and general services staff), canteen workers and cleaners who are in direct contact with children, as well as allied health professionals who regularly attend relevant schools,” he said.
“Students on placement at certain education settings will also be included in the requirement.”
Mr Barr said under the Chief Health Officer direction, first-dose vaccination would be required by 1 November and second dose vaccination by 29 November.
The Chief Minister said the decision to require vaccination was supported by the best advice on how to support the return of face-to-face learning for children who were not yet eligible for a vaccination.
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Early Childhood Development, Yvette Berry said consultation would start with staff and unions on the implementation of the public health direction.
“The Education Directorate will be working closely with public and non-Government schools, unions and the early childhood sector over the next few days to operationalise the Chief Health Officer’s advice, ahead of her signing the public health direction,” Ms Berry said.
