Queensland Health has released new details of its efforts to manage the outbreak of COVID-19, saying there is no need for mass school closures at this time.
In a statement, the Department said the Australian Government had announced that all organised, non-essential mass gatherings attended by more than 500 people must be cancelled.
“The announcement was very clear this does not apply to schools. At this time there is no need for mass school closures,” Queensland Health said.
“The announcement does, however, include activities such as fetes, fairs, concerts and the like where they involve more than 500 people.”
It said principals must review the forward events schedules for their schools to minimise large gatherings and postpone any that meet this criteria until further notice.
“In large schools across the State, full school assemblies will cease and actions such as staggered lunch breaks will be implemented,” it said.
Queensland Health said the Federal Government had also announced that all travellers must now self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Australia.
“In response to the New Zealand Government’s travel restrictions, the ban on international travel for students and staff of Queensland State schools has been extended to include New Zealand,” it said.
“Practising good hand and respiratory hygiene may help protect against infections,” it said.
“Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing with a tissue, or cough into your elbow, dispose of the tissue into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards,” the Department said.
