Primary school and early education staff are to have mandatory masks lifted on Monday (7 March), following an easing of COVID-19 safety measures in schools this week.
Announced by Premier, Dominic Perrottet, the first round of eased restrictions last Monday (28 February) saw the lifting of cohort requirements and eased activity restrictions; more visitors allowed on school grounds; and mask requirements lifted for high school staff.
Mr Perrottet said based on health advice, staff in Schools for Specific Purposes would continue to be required to wear masks.
“It is time to afford our students and parents more normality,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The return to school and the start of term has been a success, COVID transmission has reduced throughout the community, and while there will still be cases and bumps in schools it is time for our students to enjoy normal school life,” he said.
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell said this was the first time since the pandemic started that students could enjoy such a level of normality.
“We know transmission in schools is extremely low and not a single school has closed since school returned, despite the levels of community transmission,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Relaxing cohorting and restrictions on visitors will let more parents engage with their child’s school and allow students to participate in cross-year group activities, which is welcome news for both students and parents everywhere,” she said.
“The return to school, and now the return to school life, is successful because of the tremendous efforts and teamwork from all parents, staff and students.”
Ms Mitchell thanked the State’s school communities for their support.
