The Covid-Smart Plan will include testing twice a week for the first four weeks of term, mask wearing mandates, limiting visitors and interaction between year groups, maximising natural and mechanical ventilation, and putting contingency plans in place to manage any disruptions to the workforce.
As part of the new measures, every student and teacher in NSW government and non-government schools, will be able to receive rapid antigen test (RAT) kits before school returns on February 1.
Premier Dominic Perrottet says supporting students to return safely to the classroom is vital after two years of disruption to their education.
“Students learn best at school, some students have spent a quarter of their schooling at home. We’re committed to bringing students back safely,” Mr Perrottet said.
“New Covid-smart measures will help make this happen, including surveillance testing both students and staff twice weekly with RATs.
“What is most important about this approach is that it allows students to enjoy all aspects of their schooling in a safe and sensible way.”
More than 12 million RATs will be distributed to over 3150 government, non-government schools and early childhood centres to assist with surveillance testing of staff and students. Families will be notified by their schools on how and when to collect the RAT kits for their children.
More than 80 per cent of children in the 12 to 15-year-old age group, have had their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and 78 per cent are double-dosed, while 24 per cent of children in the 5 to 11-year-old age group have had their first dose.
