The Victorian state government has released a four-week plan to ensure school and education settings stay open for the start of term one, with a focus on the use of Rapid-Antigen Tests (RAT).
Premier Daniel Andrews and Education Minister James Merlino announced on Sunday 23 January the plan to use RATs for surveillance testing along with improved ventilation, vaccination coverage and workforce planning to ensure education is not impacted by Covid outbreaks.
Mr Andrews said face-to-face learning is the best option for kids’ learning and well-being.
“That’s why we’ve done the work to get students safely back in the classroom from the start of Term one, and make sure they stay there.” he said.
The government said they will deliver more than 14 million RATs to schools, early childhood education and care services, with 6.6 million tests earmarked to be delivered in the first week of term one.
The state government is recommending all primary and secondary student and staff, and early childhood education and care staff, test twice a week at home before school or childcare.
“With vital Covid-safe steps in place like surveillance testing, improved ventilation and high rates of vaccination, we’ve done everything we can to make schools as safe as possible and we can’t wait to welcome all students back for Term 1.” Mr Merlino said.
Education staff will be added to the list of workers who must receive a third-dose of a Covid-19 vaccine by 25 February if they are currently eligible, or within three months and two weeks of receiving a second dose to continue working in education.
51,000 air purification devices will be delivered to government and low-fee non-government schools by the start of term one.
Mask wearing will continue for students in grade three and above while indoors. Teachers will be required to wear masks at all times when not actively teaching or communicating with students.
Remote learning will be considered as a localised and short term last resort. The department of Education and Training will provide online resources for students in Prep to year 10 if they are isolating.
