Tasmania out of step with other states on student testing: Meg Webb

Helen Kempton | Mercury | 6 February 2022  

A member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council says Tassie is out of step with interstate student and teacher testing guidelines and wants a rethink to stop school restart outbreaks.

There are claims that Tasmania’s Education Department is out of step with its interstate counterparts which require students and teachers to test negative to Covid-19 before they return to school after a holiday period dominated by the spread of Omicron.

The State’s public schools return on Wednesday and Nelson Independent MLC Meg Webb wants to know why other states have implemented more rigorous measures.

Ms Webb wants the State Government to release its Public Health RAT advice before school goes back.

The government pointed to its Covid Safety in Schools plan it released in January – which is available on its website.

Under that plan, parents will receive a Back to School Covid Care Package, with detailed information and two Rapid Antigen Tests, per child, to have for use if their child becomes symptomatic and requires a test.

Acting Director of Public Health Scott McKeown said the comprehensive plan was developed with Public Health Services.

“Public health advice was provided regarding key elements in the plan, including COVID-safe measures, student and staff RAT use and the management of cases, contacts and outbreaks in schools,” Dr McKeown said.

“Public Health Services continues to work closely with the Department of Education on the implementation of the plan in Tasmania schools and Early Childhood Education and Care settings.”

Ms Webb said that still did not explain why our testing rules were different.

“Are we not expecting a big outbreak once school goes back or is it because we don’t have enough RAT tests to do more rigorous testing,” Ms Webb said.

“There needs to be more transparency and information to be release publicly so we can understand the decisions being made.”

NSW has strongly recommended students return a negative RAT test before returning for Term 1.

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,” Ms Webb said.

“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.”

“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?

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