The NSW Department of Education has updated its advice to reflect the change to isolation requirements based on recommendations from NSW Health.
COVID-smart measures continuing
Schools will continue to follow COVID-smart measures to help reduce the risk of transmission for students and staff members.
Masks continue to be required at all times in SSPs, support units and for staff directly interacting with students at greater risk of serious illness and for Assisted Travel Support Officers (ATSOs) and Assisted School Travel Program (ASTP) drivers.
Reporting requirements from 14 October
Please continue to notify your school if your child tests positive to COVID-19 and schools will continue to notify the school community of any known positive cases to prioritise student and staff safety and wellbeing.
Anyone who believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 is strongly recommended to monitor for symptoms and test if they have any concerns, as well as wear a mask. NSW Department of Education will continue to support families to use rapid antigen tests (RATs) if symptomatic or if you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19. RAT testing may help identify the infection early and is important if you are in contact with people at greater risk of serious illness if exposed to COVID-19.
Students and staff should continue to stay home when sick
Students, staff and visitors should only attend school when they are symptom free. It is strongly encouraged for all students, staff and visitors to follow the guidance issued by NSW Health. NSW Department of Education will continue to send home students or staff displaying symptoms.
Students undertaking the HSC
As per NESA advice, students who test positive to COVID-19 before Friday 14 October or during the examination period and are isolating for up to 7 days must provide the notification/registration of COVID-19 positive result (from either a PCR or RAT) to NESA as part of the illness/misadventure process with the following details:
- Student’s first and last name
- Date and time the notification was received or registration of when RAT was submitted.
Note that the process for students who become unwell before or on the day of their exam remains unchanged as per NESA’s illness and misadventure process.
Hygiene supplies will be available to HSC students to support them during their exams -Hand sanitiser, Disinfectant wipes, Masks, RAT kits.
For further information about the COVID-smart measures in place this term refer to the department’s Advice for families page.