Schools fully reopen following sand recall

All previously closed Tasmanian Government schools will reopen tomorrow following an extensive cleaning effort.

A number of schools were closed or partially closed as a precautionary approach following the nationwide recall of coloured sand.

Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said over the weekend, specialist cleaning was completed at the remaining affected schools, and our expert advisors have now cleared them for reopening.

“It is reassuring that all air monitoring conducted has confirmed it is safe for schools to resume normal operations,” Minister Palmer said.

“Testing of physical sand samples from Tasmanian Government schools has not indicated the presence of asbestos.”

Additional cleaning will be undertaken over the coming week at sites where small areas may have been impacted, and to safely remove the isolated product.

Schools have been keeping families updated over the weekend once they received confirmation cleaning was completed to the required levels.

“We appreciate that the closure or partial closure of schools has had an impact on students and their families and carers, staff and volunteers," Minister Palmer said.

“At all times, the safety of our students and staff has been our priority.

“We thank families, carers, and the community for their understanding and patience, and we look forward to welcoming students back to school tomorrow."

For more information, please visit the DECYP website.