Premier announces when schools will reopen in Queensland
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced when schools across the Gold Coast will reopen to all students.
Coronavirus
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SCHOOLS across the Gold Coast will begin to re-open in stages from next Monday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced.
From May 11th students in community kindy, kindy, prep, year one and years 11 and 12 will be given the go-ahead to return to school.
From the 25th all other students will be allowed to return to school if coronavirus rates remain low.
Education Minister Grace Grace said the decision will be assessed again by health experts on May 15th.
“Should things go according to plan, we are planning to have all children back in the classroom from May 25th with full lessons,” Minister Grace said.
Ms Palaszczuk said she was aware of the pressure that has been put on families during this time.
“I understand it has been a lot of stress on everybody,” the Premier said.
“We know there may be some hiccups on the way but this is our measured and responsible plan we are taking to the Queensland community.
“I think we have structured this correctly and I have asked parents to come with us on the journey.”
Premier Palaszczuk warned that the community should still remain vigilant, and plans could change if new cases of coronavirus are found.
“We need to have the what if,” she said.
“If there is an outbreak of community transmission our plans will have to change.”
In the case there is an outbreak at a school, it is understood the school will be closed for a deep cleaning.
“May 15 is the crucial date to get an analysis, to make the decision for May 25,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“I respect it has been a difficult juggling act for parents.”
The Premier said health experts will also be looking at the reopening of workplaces and industries in the coming weeks.
“These are very big decisions, we need to get the health advice we will be announcing our path to recovery soon.”
The Gold Coast, which has had 192 declared cases of coronavirus, has not seen a new diagnosis in more than a week.
A majority of the local cases have recovered with just 11 active cases in the city.
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