School resumes this month and parents and principals are still waiting for a plan.Credit:iStock
Tasmania on Thursday announced its plan to supply two rapid antigen tests to each student,to be used if they become symptomatic.
NSW public schools are already receiving deliveries of tests. They don't know how they will be used,but have been instructed to keep them secure. RATs are in high demand in the community;a man was arrested on Wednesday over a theft of kits from a storage facility in Botany.
Parents and teachers are awaiting final details of the NSW government’s back-to-school plan,which is expected to be announced in the next few days. The start of term 1 is looming – teachers return at the end of next week – and many feel they are being left with too little time to prepare.
“We’ve been planning for the beginning of the year since last year,and the greater the delay in getting the details,the more disruptive it’s going to be,” said one principal,on the condition of anonymity because they did not have the authority to speak.
Briony Scott,the principal of Wenona,wrote on Twitter on Friday:“Schools are back now. Staff have been back in many schools all week. If there is a cunning plan,coming down the pipeline,we need it now please,before students return. This would help a great deal. If there is no plan,cut us free so we can get on with it. With thanks!”
The return is likely to involve twice-weekly surveillance testing for 1.2 million students across all sectors for at least four weeks to reassure parents. Schools are also expected to be asked to reflect community settings,and make their own risk assessments for activities such as sport,excursions and assemblies.