Premier dodges questions on whether schools will reopen as planned in five days

Parents desperate for answers on schools reopening have again been left hanging by the premier, who refused to answer questions.

Parents in NSW are no closer to finding out if their children will return to school next week just five days ahead of the scheduled start of Term 3.

While Premier Gladys Berejiklian acknowledged the uncertainty had generated significant “angst and stress” for both parents and teachers, she refused to settle speculation on Tuesday morning.

“Please know that I can’t give you any more information than what I am because I don’t want to say anything until I’m certain about what the health advice will be and what decisions we are making,” she told reporters.

Chief health officer Kerry Chant responded similarly on Monday as the state recorded 35 new cases of coronavirus, before 18 additional cases were reported overnight.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian couldn’t give parents an answer on schools. Picture: Supplied

Ms Berejiklian maintained that a decision on whether schools would recommence on Monday would be determined with the best interests of the wider public in mind.

“With all due respect, I think parents want us to make the right decision, and I want to assure all parents, but also every single citizen, that every time we make a decision, it is in the best

interests of our citizens.

“I don’t care how much personally or professionally my government or myself are criticised for the way in which we do things, but we do that because we want to keep our public safe and we want to provide that certainty.”

She said health officials would inform the public on Wednesday if the lockdown was going to be extended.

“We will be in a position to make those announcements tomorrow and I know that parents will welcome that, as well as every citizen,” she said.

NSW recorded 18 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Of these locally acquired cases, 16 are linked to a known case or cluster – nine are household contacts – and the source of infection for two cases remain under investigation. pic.twitter.com/apOPenadHa

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 6, 2021

“Parents and children and the teaching communities obviously want to hear from us but so do everyday day workers. So do people who rely on a number of things going a particular way, so I appreciate the angst and stress.”

The virus was a “great equaliser”, Mr Berejiklian added, and had put most members of the community in a strained position one way or another.

“All of us have family and personal circumstances that we want answers. I appreciate that, please know that, my government appreciates that, and that is why we always make decisions in the best interests of our citizens and we will be able to provide that certainty tomorrow, so that we can move forward together.”

Greater Sydney’s lockdown is due to end at 11.59pm on Friday, but may be extended if health officials deem it necessary.