School Restrictions To Ease As State Approaches 50 Days Without Cases

Restrictions at NSW schools will be eased to allow parents to enter school grounds, dancing activities to proceed and singing groups to recommence in a COVID safe way after the state recorded 47 days without locally acquired cases.

From Monday 8 March, school communities in Manly are set to benefit from the easing of the following restrictions:

• Parents and caretakers are able to enter school grounds but should continue to follow COVID safe practices, including social distancing.
• Parents and caretakers 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.

Member for Manly James Griffin thanked the hard work of principals, teachers and staff who had worked throughout the pandemic.

“This has been a difficult time for all of us, parents and teachers included, as we have been unable to participate in some of yearly events like farewelling our children on the first day of school, or watching them compete and play at school sport,” Mr Griffin said.

“Nothing makes me happier than being able to let our parents get more involved in their child’s school time and this is testament to the hard work done by all education staff to keep our schools safe during the pandemic.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said careful consideration had been given to support school communities as COVID restrictions ease at schools.

“The government’s response to the pandemic has allowed schools to continue running, helping us build a stronger and safer NSW in a challenging time.

“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,” Ms Mitchell said.

Teachers, students or parents who have COVID-19 symptoms are reminded to not attend school until a negative COVID test has been received.

Detailed guidance for schools has been updated to reflect these changes, and principals are pleased to welcome parents and carers back to school.

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.