Key information
- The COVID-safe schools plan 2024 (PDF, 188KB) sets out how we’ll continue to safely manage COVID-19 in schools.
- Key measures are outlined below.
- This plan follows Public Health advice.
- While this plan focuses on schools, the practical advice applies to our other sites.
COVID-safe behaviours
Hygiene
- Do not come to school if unwell – this applies to staff, students and visitors.
- Staff, students and visitors are asked to practise all COVID-safe behaviours, particularly as they apply to their personal circumstances.
- Keep your hands clean by using soap and water or hand sanitiser.
Face masks
- All students, staff and visitors are supported to wear masks should they choose to.
- Consider wearing a face mask indoors where you cannot physically distance from others.
Vaccination
- Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines helps protect you from severe illness due to COVID-19.
- Staff, students and visitors are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza (the flu).
Safe sites
Supporting COVID-safe behaviours
- Hand sanitiser and face masks are available at all sites for anyone to use.
Ventilation
- Spaces are well-ventilated through natural airflow where possible.
- Other mechanical equipment may be used to promote airflow and improve ventilation.
- Schools will take advantage of outdoor learning opportunities.
Cleaning
- Regular cleaning is undertaken.
Family engagement
- Families and volunteers are welcome in schools for indoor and outdoor activities and events, as long as they:
- do not have symptoms
- practise COVID-safe behaviours
- follow any school advice.
- Schools may need to implement additional risk mitigations for events and activities to minimise the risk of COVID-19, such as limiting the number of attendees or requiring physical distancing.
School activities
- All school activities can occur as long as the risks associated with COVID-19 are managed. This includes:
- excursions (day and overnight)
- school camps
- fairs and carnivals
- productions
- assemblies
- prize nights.
- Activities should encourage COVID-safe behaviours and consider the COVID-19 risk in the community at that time as part of activity planning.
- Depending on the level of risk of the activity or in the community, extra consideration may be needed to ensure:
- spaces are well-ventilated
- face masks are readily available
- physical distancing is supported; or
- the numbers of participants are limited.
- Intrastate travel can go ahead with appropriate Department approval and a risk mitigation plan. This includes overnight excursions and camps.
Travel for school groups
- Interstate and international travel can occur with a risk assessment and contingency plan in place.
- Department approval is needed for interstate and international travel.
- Considerations for travelling must be revised before departure to ensure the risk assessment remains up to date.
Vulnerable students
- All Tasmanians have a role to protect the vulnerable. By following COVID-safe behaviours and staying home when unwell, you help protect vulnerable students from the impacts of COVID-19.
- School staff wear masks when working closely with students known to be medically vulnerable to COVID-19.
- Staff do not provide direct support to students medically vulnerable to COVID-19 for at least seven days from testing positive to COVID-19.
- Support Schools have additional restrictions for COVID positive cases and close contacts.
School attendance is important
Being at school is the best place for our kids. It’s where they learn and grow alongside their friends, and where they benefit the most.
Every school day matters. Your child should be at school unless:
- they’re feeling unwell
- have medical advice due to an ongoing medical condition
- they’ve been told to stay home by Public Health.
Health and wellbeing
These resources can help when talking to your child about COVID-19:
Please seek professional help if needed. Support services include:
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
More information
For the latest information visit:
- Tasmanian Department of Health website
- Australian Government Department of Health website
- General COVID-19 enquiries – Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738
- Catholic Education Tasmania on 03 6210 8888
- Independent Schools Tasmania on 03 6224 0125.