NSW schools to return to classrooms earlier
All NSW students will return to on-site lessons by 25 October, the NSW Government has announced.
With the first vaccination milestone of 70% double-dosed being reached, the NSW Government is also easing a number of restrictions as part of the Reopening NSW roadmap, which will allow fully vaccinated adults to enjoy more freedoms from next Monday, 11 October.
All school students will also now return to on-site learning with a range of COVID-safe measures in place by 25 October, with the second and third stages of the return-to-school plan now combined. Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students will still return to face-to-face learning on 18 October, with all other years now returning one week later on 25 October.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the changes would help life return to normal as soon as possible.
“Vaccinations are the key to life returning to normal and the changes today will help family and friends reconnect, get kids back to school and get businesses back up and running sooner,” he said.
“NSW is putting in the hard yards and it’s important people continue to turn out in droves to be vaccinated.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW residents 12 years old and over had led the charge to get vaccinated and ensured NSW was among the safest places in the world.
“Getting to 70% double dose is a badge of honour for every fully vaccinated NSW citizen to wear proudly but we can do so much more and 90% is within our grasp,” Hazzard said.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said schools were ready to welcome students back.
“The return remains safe and sensible with enough time for schools to prepare for a faster return of students over two weeks instead of three,” Mitchell said.
“Principals have received detailed guidance and checklists of everything required to ensure COVID-safe settings in their school. Parents and carers will also receive a detailed guide today and more specific information from their school in the coming days.”
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