NSW announces new virus rules for return to school

Schoolchildren and their parents will all be affected by major rule changes in NSW schools to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Students will not be required to wear face masks under new rules for a COVID-safe return to NSW schools later this month.

There are a number of changes to the guidelines for students, parents and carers, including some restrictions that have eased.

Water fountains and bubblers are allowed again, and parents and carer meetings can continue.

Field trips to Victoria, Queensland and the ACT will be permitted as long as interstate border rules are followed.

Schools in border regions will be allowed to do activities in other states as long as border requirements are met.

Orientation programs for preschools, kindergarten and year seven can also continue, the NSW Education department said.

Students will not be required to wear face masks under new rules for a COVID-safe return to NSW schools later this month. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

“The first day of school is an incredibly important day, especially for those children starting Kindergarten,” NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said.

“I am so thrilled that despite the challenges of the pandemic, parents and carers will be able to take part in this milestone event in their child’s life in a COVID-safe way.

“The NSW Government has worked hard to get the balance right for day one of school to ensure we provide a sense of normalcy while keeping people safe.”

Staff and students will not be required to wear a mask at school, although those who want to wear face masks will be allowed to do so.

However, when using public transport to travel to and from school or on excursions within Greater Sydney, mask mandates will apply to students older than 12.

Singing will also be allowed, with an unlimited amount of voices outdoors and up to five singers indoors.

Singers must be positioned 1.5 metres apart from each other.

The audience will be allowed to sing along as well, provided those students older than 12 wear a mask.

Originally published as NSW announces new virus rules for return to school