Media Release – School Reopening and RATs

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today called for the State Government to release Public Health RAT advice for Tasmania’s State Schools return this week.

“There is an apparent disparity between Tasmania’s RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) regime for students and staff compared to interstate,” Ms Webb said.

“NSW strongly recommended students return a negative RAT test prior to returning to school at the resumption of their school Term 1.

“Additionally, other interstate jurisdictions – NSW, Victoria and the ACT – also strongly recommend students continue to take a RAT twice a week in the morning before attending school for at least the next four weeks.

“In contrast, Tasmania is providing each student with two RATs a week, but is recommending these are only used should symptoms develop.

“A negative test is not required by either Tasmanian students or teachers before they re-enter school gates on Wednesday. Also, regular testing is not occurring through the school week.”

Ms Webb called on the Gutwein Liberal Government to release its Public Health advice before Wednesday’s school resumption.

“We know the Omicron COVID variant is more transmissible than the Delta strain.

“Surely it makes more sense to catch potential student and teaching staff COVID cases before they enter the classroom, rather than wait for symptoms to arise?

“South Australia has reported that at least 300 school staff were absent on their first school day this Term due to COVID, so it stands to reason our school communities may experience a similar situation.”

Ms Webb said the Gutwein Government will claim its COVID-19 back to school plan is consistent with the National Cabinet agreement.

“However, I’m equally sure NSW, Victoria and the ACT will assert the same. Tasmanian parents, students, teachers, and other school support staff deserve to know what advice the state government is relying upon and what degree of acceptable risk has been determined on their behalf.”

Excerpts of Education advice for the resumption of the school year and use of RATs

NSW Education advice:

“Rapid antigen tests (RATs) will be provided to all students and staff by their schools.

Before the start of Term 1, it is highly recommended all students undertake a RAT and confirm a negative result before attending school.

For the first 4 weeks of Term 1, we recommend students take a RAT twice a week on mornings before attending school…”

Victorian Education advice:

“For the first four weeks of term, twice-a-week testing on school days will be strongly recommended for mainstream primary and secondary staff and students.

Testing each school day for five days will be strongly recommended for specialist school students and staff. This is to provide a higher level of surveillance for students with disabilities because of the greater risk associated with COVID-19 for some students with disabilities.”

ACT Education advice:

“While testing is voluntary, it is strongly recommended that students and staff do a test twice-weekly at home before school. This will help us ensure we are identifying cases as early as possible, including anyone who is asymptomatic.”

Tasmanian Education advice: (5 weeks)

“Each student will be provided with an initial supply of two rapid antigen tests (RATs) before school starts, then with two RATs per week for each student to use if they have symptoms. All school staff will be provided with two RATs to use if they have symptoms.”