The Department of Education has released its plan for students’ return to school amidst the ongoing Omicron outbreak.
Announced by Premier, Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, the COVID-Smart Plan is to see every student and teacher in NSW Government and non-Government schools receive rapid antigen test (RAT) kits before school returns on 1 February.
Mr Perrottet said the Plan included surveillance testing with RATs twice a week for students and staff; mandatory masks for all staff and high school students; limited interaction between year groups; limited visitors to education sites; COVID-safe settings for music, sport and excursions; ventilation as well as air purifiers where needed; and contingency plans to manage disruptions to the workforce.
“Government is distributing more than 12 million RATs to over 3,150 Government, non-Government schools and early childhood centres to assist with surveillance testing of staff and students,” he said.
Ms Mitchell said families would be notified by their schools on how and when to collect the RAT kits for their children.
“Testing complements other COVID-smart measures in schools, including mandatory vaccination for staff, increased vaccination coverage for students, mask-wearing, cleaning, cohorting and limited visitors on-site,” she said.
“Activities students love, such as music, school sport and assemblies, will continue with settings in place similar to late last year.”
Further information on return-to-school arrangements can be accessed on the Department’s website at this PS News link.
