Why state is keeping ’unnatural’ Covid rule when term 2 begins next week

The Premier has announced no changes to this Covid rule will be made ahead of the school term resuming. Here’s why.

Masks will need to continue to be worn in South Australian schools when the second term begins next week.

Masks must be worn by staff and students from years 7 to 12 and are strongly encouraged for students in years 3 to 6.

Following the State Emergency Management Committee meeting on Tuesday morning, Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the Covid-19 rule would remain in place for at least the first four weeks of the term and would be reviewed again closer to week 4.

He said the move aimed to reduce disruption to learning caused from transmission of the virus, something educators and parents experienced in term 1 as cases continually popped up in schools.

The Premier blamed the former Liberal government for failing to complete a ventilation audit that would help mitigate the need for students to wear masks.

Premier Peter Malinauskas announced masks would continue to be worn in schools for the first four weeks of term 2. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“This position we’ve adopted is consistent with the health advice but also acknowledging the sincere desire amongst all concerned parents, students and educators as well,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“Wearing masks in schools isn’t convenient or natural and I feel for our students that are going to have to continue to wear masks … but we’re making this decision for their best interests.

“Anything we can do to prevent … any school closures is something we’ve got to keep on the table.”

Masks must be worn by staff and students from years 7 to 12 and are strongly encouraged for students in years 3 to 6. Picture: Tobias Schwarz / AFP

Education Minister Blair Boyer said the number of school closures and students learning remotely last term could be traced back to the former government.

He revealed the previous government had identified 652 schools that needed ventilation works but only completed 200.

Mr Boyer said the state government was now working to fast-track those works and determine if air purifiers needed to be distributed to sites or natural air ventilation was a possibility for the remaining schools.

He said 1000 new air purifiers would be purchased within the next four weeks, costing taxpayers $530,000.

The state government will also set up vaccination hubs at more than 40 schools for students aged 5-11 and create an online consent system for parents to get their children jabbed.

Education Minister Blair Boyer revealed 652 schools needed ventilation works but the previous government had only worked on 200. Picture: File pic

Health Minister Chris Picton said South Australia remained on track to removing its close contact rules on Saturday, with recent modelling predicting the state would have about 2000 cases and between 180 to 200 hospitalisations per day.

It comes as the state recorded 3463 new cases on Tuesday as well as eight deaths.

There are 254 people hospitalised, including 10 people in intensive care and one requiring a ventilator.

Originally published as Why state is keeping ’unnatural’ Covid rule when term 2 begins next week