New vaccination exemptions for school formals and graduations

A new health order will allow unvaccinated school leavers to mingle with their Year 12 peers at school formals this year.

Unvaccinated school leavers will be allowed to party and celebrate with their vaccinated peers under new exemptions.

While the rest of the adult population who are not vaccinated will wait until December 15 to get additional freedoms – schools students will get exemptions to attend graduations, farewell dinners, and formals.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard signed the exemption on Wednesday night and the rules will require unvaccinated students to take a negative PCR test in the 72 hours prior to the event.

“The HSC students of 2021 have had an incredibly tough 18 months, including substantial time without face-to-face teaching, and missing out on seeing friends and family,” Mr Hazzard said.

Unvaccinated teens will be allowed to go to their school formals this year.

“They deserve to be able to party with their friends and enjoy one of the biggest celebrations of their life.”

The events must be organised by or on behalf of the school and the remaining Covid provisions, including masks and the two square metre rule, will remain in place.

Education Minster Sarah Mitchell added: “I am so happy that all Year 12 students can celebrate with each other at the end of an incredibly turbulent year,” she said.

“Our Year 12 students have worked so hard and I want to commend them for the resilience they have displayed.”