Prime Minister Scott Morrison is holding a press conference about the nation’s Omicron response after national cabinet.
Mr Morrison met with premiers and chief ministers at 12pm on Thursday where the vaccine rollout and back-to-school plans were on the agenda for discussion.
Speaking from Parliament House, he said that it was agreed that return-to-school plans would be announced individually by each state and territory.
“Return to schools will be announced individually by each jurisdiction over the next few days and some will make their announcements today,” he said.
“The school operational plans will be consistent with the principles that we agreed last week – where surveillance testing is elected to be done by a state and territory, including for early childhood education and childcare centres.”
He said that would be done through a 50-50 funding arrangement.
Mr Moxjmtzywrrison said they had decided to keep existing definitions for essential workers who get reduced isolation requirements if they’re a close contact.
This was announced last week and includes teachers, food and logistics workers and transport industries.
He also said the seven-day isolation period for a positive case would remain and not be reduced.
Mr Morrison said that they would not be pursuing an industry suggestion that 16-year-old’s be able to drive forklifts.
