NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is about to announce back-to-school plans for students, parents and teachers.
A main plank of the plan will be the use of rapid antigen tests for students and staff, to be taken twice a week.
Up to six million of the highly sought after tests are being sent to 3000 public, Cathxjmtzywolic and independent schools across NSW ahead of the start of term.
Once the tests are delivered to schools by Wednesday, parents will be able to arrange a time to pick up the kits once they are contacted by school staff.
Schools will be required to carry out an improved cleaning regimen, while limited visitors will be allowed on school grounds.
Face masks will be made mandatory for all teachers and high school students, but not primary school children.
Air purifiers are being installed in “problem areas” and windows in older buildings are being repaired to ensure they can be opened and allow appropriate airflow.
School staff will have to be double-vaccinated, while music, school sport and assemblies have all been given the green-light to go ahead.
Overnight camps are also allowed with “risk planning” and parental consent.
The testing regimen will be in place for the first four weeks of term before being reviewed for the future.
Teachers and children at day care centres will also be offered RAT kits for testing twice-a-week.
Mr Perrottet said the plan will allow children to enjoy school in a safe “Covid-smart” way.
“Students learn best at school and this plan is designed to make that happen from the first day of term,” the Premier said.
