The Territory Labor Government has introduced a number of measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools as thousands of students head back to classrooms from tomorrow.
Ventilation in schools has been one of the mitigation strategies identified and a review of air-conditioning systems is nearing completion.
Currently, all fixed plant school air-conditioning systems in Northern Territory Government schools meet or exceed relevant Australian Standards for fresh air intake and circulation. However, as a precautionary measure, these are being adjusted to maximise airflow and ventilation.
Additionally, air purification units are being rolled out to 77 remote schools across the Territory which - combined with other measures in schools including vaccination, physical distancing, good hygiene, masks, and cleaning - will create safer school environments.
Every school has its own COVID-safe plan, outlining measures to respond and recover from COVID transmission in schools.
Plans include home learning packs, and online learning options for students who test positive, show COVID symptoms, or if their family makes the choice to keep them at home.
Schools will be supported to enact these plans by the Department of Education, which will be guided by advice from the Department of Health.
Students in Years 7-12 are required to wear masks during mask mandates with younger children, especially those in Years 3-6, strongly encouraged to follow directives. All adults will wear masks except when teaching, and will practice physical distancing. Regular handwashing and sanitising will continue, and schools will take advantage of outdoor learning opportunities.
The Department of Education website includes information about returning to school plans for families - here.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Lauren Moss:
"The health and safety of students and staff in our schools is a key priority for the Territory Labor Government and that's why we are creating school environments that are as safe as possible during this current COVID outbreak.
"We know we can't eliminate COVID but we have put measures in place to minimise the risk of it spreading throughout our classrooms.
"We want minimal disruption to our schools right across the NT so our students can keep attending school, and keep learning."
