AS the extended Summer school holidays draw to a close, new measures have been implemented to assist students, teachers and staff as they return to school on February 7.
The initial six-week holiday period was extended by two weeks to allow for the predicted Omicron Variant peak and to allow additional time for more students to get vaccinated.
Masks will be required for all staff and high school students and the government is encouraging parents to have their primary school students equipped with masks.
Education Minister Grace Grace has announced that Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will also be available to students and staff who develop symptoms while at school, while those who develop symptoms at home will have priority access to RATs at Queensland Health clinics.
Other temporary measures for the first four weeks of term include suspension of school camps, excursions, assemblies, and large gatherings.
Visitor numbers to schools will also be limited with exceptions for parents and carers of students experiencing vulnerability and all students attending Early Childhood Development Programs, Kindergarten, Prep or Year 1.
Minister Grace said as well as delaying the start of term by two weeks, a number of measures were in place to keep students and staff safe.
“These include mandatory vaccination for staff and volunteers, and expert advice from our ventilation working group,” she said.
“Our $477 million Cleaner Cooler Schools Program is almost complete, meaning nearly all schools across the state have air conditioning which helps with ventilation.
“However, we are introducing these additional measures to help minimise the impact of Omicron in our schools.
“Consistent with health advice, regular surveillance rapid antigen testing will not be required in schools.
“There is no health advice to indicate this is needed in Queensland, instead, all students and staff will have priority access to RATs from local testing clinics if they develop symptoms.
“Of course, anyone who has symptoms should absolutely not come into school, but if staff or students develop symptoms while at school, they will be provided with a RAT to take home.
“If there are outbreaks of Covid-19 in our schools, Queensland Health will deploy additional RATs to clinics near those locations to meet the need.”
