The Department for Education, Children and Young People has released its COVID-safe schools operational plan for Term 2.

This forward planning is important to ensure Tasmanian Government schools continue to stay open in a safe and measured way.

Being at school is the best place for our kids, and Public Health has been involved in planning so families can be assured that schools are as safe as can be.

Many COVID-safe measures will continue into next term, as well as COVID-19 testing protocols, case management and home-based learning provision when required.

COVID-safe measures like increased ventilation in classrooms through natural airflow and use of air purifiers, frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces and hygiene practices will continue, as we know how important they are in minimising the spread of COVID-19.

We will continue to support the testing of COVID-19 through our schools – students and staff will only need to test if they have symptoms and will use the rapid antigen tests provided by their school, or when advised by Public Health.

If there are any COVID-19 cases in a school, each school has an established support network around them who work closely with Public Health to safely manage this – with families being the first to know if there are any impacts.

If a student does need to isolate due to COVID-19, or has COVID-19 but feels well enough, they will be supported by an online teacher via the Virtual Learning Centre.

Key changes going into Term 2 include the resumption of indoor Launching into Learning sessions, the Gifted Online program recommencing, and supporting COVID-safe ways of bringing students together to participate in learning activities.

The Department for Education, Children and Young People will continue working closely with government school communities and the non-government sector to support them with managing COVID-19 in their communities.

For more information, and to access the COVID-safe schools operational plan, visit the Department for Education, Children and Young People website.