Restrictions at NSW schools will be eased on Monday, allowing parents to visit school grounds, with singing and dancing groups to also recommence in a COVID-safe way.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch thanked Principals, teachers, school staff, parents and students for their patience.
“The NSW Government has been working to get the balance right between providing a sense of normality whilst also following the Health advice,” Mr Crouch said.
“2021 is certainly shaping up to be more ‘normal’ for school communities thanks to these COVID-19 restrictions being significant eased on Monday, 8 March.
“Despite our current track-record no community transmission, it remains vital that everyone continues to get tested if any COVID-19 symptoms develop and not attend school until a negative test is received.
“I want to sincerely thank our Principals, teachers and school staff for going above and beyond to keep schools running right throughout the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said careful consideration had been given to support school communities.
“Schools will continue to operate in a COVID-safe way with fewer restrictions in place. Hand sanitiser and enhanced cleaning will remain in place in all schools,” Mrs Mitchell said.
Schools will continue to have COVID-19 Safety Plans and record-keeping procedures in place. NSW Health encourages the use of the Service NSW QR Code system for visitors to school sites.
New COVID-19 restrictions to begin on Monday:
– Parents and carers are able to enter school grounds but should continue to follow COVID-safe practices, including social distancing.
– Parents and carers can attend school sporting events. School sporting events should align with requirements for community sporting competitions and training activities in NSW.
– There are no recommended limits on singing groups in schools, including for in-class educational activities such as group repetition, chanting, recitation, or singing activities. Five metres is recommended between a group of performing singers and other people, including the audience and conductor, where practicable.
– Dancing activities, including dance classes, balls, formals and social events, can proceed, but organisers should select venues with adequate floor space to comply with any venue restrictions.
– The gathering of parents and community members for school events, such as P&C meetings, can continue in a COVID-safe way.