The move was announced by the Education Minister, Senator Tracey Vallois, this afternoon.
She said that the move was based on advice from the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC), and the Medical Officer for Health Dr Susan Turnbull.
Video: The Education Minister announced the phased return to school during a press conference this afternoon.
According to their advice:
- “Schools are safe to start re-opening as soon as possible prioritising the year groups suggested by education professionals and ensuring that measures are in place for them to do so safely;
- the risks to children of being away from school currently outweigh the health risk from COVID-19 of them being in school;
- children should return to school as soon as is practically possible, while ensuring that public health measures can be maintained;
- growing evidence that children are not ‘super spreaders’ and that when infected, the level of the virus appears to be no less/greater than adults;
- and it is in children’s best interests to return to school, reassured that it is safe for them to do so.”
The Minister explained that the gradual return to school for some students will go hand-in-hand with more frequent cleaning at schools, PPE being made available to staff, physical distancing between students and the marking of stairwells and corridors to maintain this, and staggering start, lunch breaks and pick-ups.
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