Schools are the best place for children to be learning and the Tasmanian Government has worked extensively to ensure they are well-placed to safely manage COVID-19 in Term 3.
Important COVID-safe measures such as increased ventilation and additional cleaning will continue into Term 3, and students and staff will continue to practice good hand hygiene, follow social distancing, and wear masks when they can’t, as well as test when they have symptoms and stay home if unwell.
These important measures are outlined in stage three of the COVID-safe Schools Plan, which is strongly backed by Public Health.
While wearing a mask is a personal choice, it is strongly recommended staff and, where possible, students wear masks if social distancing is not possible.
I recognise there are increased COVID-19 cases in our community, and given schools are an extension of our community, some families may be feeling concerned as we head back to school next week. But I want to reassure families that our schools are following COVID-safe practices and are well prepared to deal with higher levels of COVID in our community to minimise disruption to learning.
Importantly, the Department of Education continues to work side-by-side with Public Health in planning for and responding to COVID-19.
Our approach in schools continues to be safe, measured and flexible to respond to the changing situation, including winding up or down as required or advised by Public Health. This could mean that extra COVID-safe measures, such as additional testing, are brought back temporarily into individual school sites that experience increased cases.
It is common to see increased illness at this time of year, so it remains important for children to stay home if they are unwell and get tested.
We do, however, need to find the right balance – so if your child is well enough to attend school, they should be at school so as not to disturb their learning or social interactions.
If students are required to isolate, the Virtual Learning Centre remains an option for students to continue their learning from home, if they feel well enough.
Face masks and rapid antigen tests continue to be readily available for students and staff at all Tasmanian Government schools.
The Department of Education and Public Health continue to work closely with the Catholic and Independent sector in managing COVID-19 in their communities, ensuring risk mitigations at individual schools can be scaled up and responded to accordingly.
The COVID-safe Schools Plan will continue to be reviewed and the COVID-19 situation monitored, to ensure our learners remain safe at school.
The most critical thing Tasmanian families can do to protect themselves from the severe consequences of COVID is to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations.
For more information, and to access the COVID-safe Schools Plan, visit the Department of Education website
More Media Releases from Roger Jaensch
More Media Releases from the Minister for Education, Children and Youth