COVID-19: school rules, restrictions for greater Sydney public primary, high schools

New rules have come into force in schools across greater Sydney as the NSW Government tries to see off the latest Covid outbreak. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A raft of new rules have come into force in schools across greater Sydney as the State Government tries to get the latest Covid outbreak under control.

A ban on non-essential visitors on school campuses and the cancellation or delay of large arts and sports events are among the latest restrictions for schools published by the Department of Education.

Students and staff with flu-like symptoms will also need to be tested and provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test and be symptom-free before being allowed to return to campus.

Students who have hay fever or other conditions with similar flu-like symptoms will also be required to get tested for COVID-19 and return a negative test result. 

Parents went to collect their children from St Charles' Catholic Primary School in Waverley yesterday.

The restrictions apply to the Greater Sydney region, which includes the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour local government areas.

Students and staff in schools are exempt from wearing face masks, however are encouraged to do so.

At Seaforth Public School, P&C president Mark Connelly said some events had to be cancelled in response to the restrictions and students were being monitored for any flu symptoms.

“We just had the end of term assembly and we just got that in before things got clamped down – it was nice it was able to have that,” he said.

New restrictions have come into effect for schools.

“We were going to have a big gathering after school on Friday and have the canteen open and the kids playing on the oval. That had to be cancelled.”

With the school term ending on Friday, Mr Connelly said the question on many parents’ minds were disruptions to school holiday plans.

“The biggest impact on families is school holiday plans and vacation care – those programs are able to go ahead for now but we don’t know if they’d be affected by any further restrictions,” he said.

“Having school ending on Friday is good timing in one way but it’s a double edged sword – schools are always the last things that are locked down so it can be challenging for parents who work.

“A lot of parents are asking why lockdowns keep coming just before school holidays.”

Bondi Public School parent Rob Keldoulis said: “for the past few days it’s been building – a lot of parents are resigned to it but resilient.”

Other advice published by the Department of Education includes requiring visitors to check in via the Service NSW QR code app or sign in for each visit and comply with the department’s Covid safe requirements.

Some activities at schools can continue including school performances, productions and plays, concerts that comply with NSW Health requirements.

Physical distancing of students in schools is not required, however all teachers, support staff and parents should maintain a 1.5m physical distance from each other where practicable.

Non-curricular social activities such as school discos and staff social events that involve members of the community in addition to staff and students will also be postponed where possible.

Schools will also undergo extra cleaning regimes targeting areas including door handles, lockers, light switches and handrails.