Victoria's four-week back-to-school COVID plan includes free RATs, masks and replacement teachers. Here's what it will look like
3 years, 1 month ago

Victoria's four-week back-to-school COVID plan includes free RATs, masks and replacement teachers. Here's what it will look like

ABC  

The Victorian government is committing to having all of its schools return to face-to-face learning for the first day of term one. Students and staff to use self-testing surveillance regime The government has secured 14 million rapid tests to be delivered to schools and early childhood centres in the coming weeks. Schools to combine classes and employ retired teachers to tackle staff shortages Schools will use a "tiered" approach to staff replacements in the event of COVID infection or close contact. Mr Merlino said that remote learning is "an absolute last resort" and will only be used in extreme cases at individual schools for the "shortest period possible". "If they are at home because of COVID, either they are positive or they are household contact, then there will be learning materials and activities that schools will provide for those children," Mr Merlino said.

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History of this topic

Schools across America bring back Covid MASKS in classrooms amid rise in infections - in call back to dark days of pandemic
1 year, 6 months ago

Schools across America bring back Covid MASKS in classrooms amid rise in infections - in call back to dark days of pandemic

Daily Mail  

A slew of schools across America are reinstating mask mandates amid a surge in positive Covid tests - despite evidence they harm children's learning. Kinterbish Junior High School in Alabama has asked all students, staff and visitors to start wearing face masks in classrooms and hallways 'due to the slow rise of Covid cases in the area' since late last …

Covid Restrictions creep back into American life - as Michigan and Massachusetts begin Mask Mandates
2 years, 2 months ago

Covid Restrictions creep back into American life - as Michigan and Massachusetts begin Mask Mandates

Daily Mail  

Hundreds of thousands more students across the US have been placed under Covid restrictions as schools and colleges bring back mask and testing mandates. It means more than 600,000 students are living with Covid rules — despite little evidence that they reduce transmission — after students in New Jersey and Pennsylvania were also put under mask mandates last week. Superintendent …

New Covid strain: Should we wear masks again in the UK?
2 years, 2 months ago

New Covid strain: Should we wear masks again in the UK?

Daily Mail  

Health chiefs urged Brits to 'ratchet up precautions' to protect the service Commuters today were seen wearing face coverings after health bosses urged Britons to protect the NHS amid record pressures and a new Covid variant. She is surrounded by commuters, some of whom are wearing masks Commuters on the London Underground wore masks this morning following new advice to …

Doctors call for masks and vaccines in Queensland schools as COVID-19 cases and deaths rise
2 years, 8 months ago

Doctors call for masks and vaccines in Queensland schools as COVID-19 cases and deaths rise

ABC  

Queenslanders may be sick of hearing about COVID-19 and want to pretend it has gone, but the virus is still killing dozens across the state each week, a frontline doctor warns. Key points: The government is "strongly advising" students wear masks at school Doctors say the government needs to do more Fewer than 50 Queensland state schools have had ventilation …

Victorian government asks school students to wear masks in class as state's COVID-19 cases spike
2 years, 8 months ago

Victorian government asks school students to wear masks in class as state's COVID-19 cases spike

ABC  

Students over the age of eight are being asked to return to wearing masks in class as the number of daily COVID-19 cases across Victoria continues to hover around 10,000. Key points: A letter has been sent to parents requesting that children over the age of eight wear masks in class The wearing of masks in schools is not mandatory …

Creeping COVID-19 cases result in few schools mask mandates
2 years, 10 months ago

Creeping COVID-19 cases result in few schools mask mandates

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy U.S. COVID-19 cases are up, …

COVID-19 surges to fresh peak in WA with a record 10,394 new cases, but hospitalisations steady
2 years, 10 months ago

COVID-19 surges to fresh peak in WA with a record 10,394 new cases, but hospitalisations steady

ABC  

Western Australia has reported a new record in COVID-19 case numbers with another 10,394 infections. Key points: The number of new cases is over 200 more than the previous peak The number of new cases is over 200 more than the previous peak Infections have surged since WA dropped its indoor mask mandate Infections have surged since WA dropped its …

Victoria to lift COVID close contact isolation rules, ease vaccine requirements ahead of weekend
2 years, 10 months ago

Victoria to lift COVID close contact isolation rules, ease vaccine requirements ahead of weekend

ABC  

Victoria's isolation rules for close contacts will be scrapped, along with vaccine requirements and mandatory mask rules under an easing of restrictions announced this morning. Key points: Close contacts of COVID cases will no longer be required to isolate in Victoria Isolation protocols will remain in place for COVID-positive cases The vaccine mandate will also be scrapped on the back …

More people in hospital with COVID-19 just days before mask mandates set to go
2 years, 11 months ago

More people in hospital with COVID-19 just days before mask mandates set to go

ABC  

South Australia has recorded the highest number of COVID-related hospitalisations since February 1, just days out from the expected easing of mask rules. Key points: There are 236 people with COVID-19 in hospital in SA - the highest number since February 1 4,281 new infections were reported yesterday The state's mask rules are set to go in coming days There …

New York to lift statewide school mask mandate by March 2
3 years ago

New York to lift statewide school mask mandate by March 2

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — New York’s statewide masking requirement in schools will be lifted by March 2, Gov. Hours later, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he’s considering lifting vaccine mandates on restaurants, bars and theaters by early next week if infections and hospitalizations continue their downward trend. A mask mandate on the city’s approximately 1 million schoolchildren could also …

Victorian COVID-19 hospitalisations at 319 as 6,926 cases and 17 deaths reported
3 years ago

Victorian COVID-19 hospitalisations at 319 as 6,926 cases and 17 deaths reported

ABC  

Victoria's Chief Health Officer has defended the decision to continue mandating masks for some primary school students as a proportionate response given the state's high caseload and low vaccination coverage among younger children. Key points: The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital has dropped to 345 and the seven-day average for cases is falling Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said …

Mask rules to be scrapped in NSW schools as COVID-19 restrictions ease
3 years ago

Mask rules to be scrapped in NSW schools as COVID-19 restrictions ease

ABC  

Mask rules for students at NSW's schools will be lifted next week as part of a relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions on the education system. Key points: Masks in high school settings will be scrapped from February 28 Mixing between age groups will be allowed as cohorting rules are also being lifted next week Sarah Mitchell says the risk of COVID-19 …

Mandatory mask rules to be eased in Victoria ahead of weekend
3 years ago

Mandatory mask rules to be eased in Victoria ahead of weekend

ABC  

The Victorian government has announced people will be able to remove their masks in most indoor settings this weekend. Key points: Masks will only be required in some settings including public transport, hospitals and primary schools from midnight Friday The recommendation for people to work or study from home is being removed The health minister has extended the deadline for …

Michigan stops urging masks in schools, other public places
3 years, 1 month ago

Michigan stops urging masks in schools, other public places

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration on Wednesday stopped recommending that masks be worn inside schools and other public places to curb COVID-19 in Michigan, pointing to a drop in cases and hospitalizations. While Michigan hasn’t had statewide mask policies since last June, this updated guidance will underscore that we are getting back to normal,” the Democratic governor said …

More than 20,000 NSW students caught COVID in first two weeks of school
3 years, 1 month ago

More than 20,000 NSW students caught COVID in first two weeks of school

ABC  

More than 20,000 NSW school children have tested positive for COVID-19 in the first two weeks of the school year and the number of cases among students is rising rapidly, with an almost 50 per cent increase between week one and week two. Key points: More than 8,000 students tested positive during the first week back and more than 12,000 …

Biden says getting rid of masks is 'probably premature'
3 years, 1 month ago

Biden says getting rid of masks is 'probably premature'

Daily Mail  

President Joe Biden said in a new interview Thursday it was probably 'premature' to lift indoor mask mandates – as a growing list of Democratic governors are moving to do just that amid plummeting coronavirus infection levels. President Joe Biden spoke about lifting indoor mask mandates, telling NBC on Thursday: 'I think it's probably premature, but it's, you know, it's …

CDC director says COVID cases are still 'too high' to consider dropping mask mandates
3 years, 1 month ago

CDC director says COVID cases are still 'too high' to consider dropping mask mandates

Daily Mail  

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is standing by its mask-wearing guidelines for schools, saying COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are still 'too high' to consider dropping restrictions despite daily infections having declined by 47 percent over the past seven days. The CDC is standing by its mask-wearing guidelines for schools, despite officials in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey and …

Masks too big for kids, 'Facebook issues' plague Tasmania's public school return
3 years, 1 month ago

Masks too big for kids, 'Facebook issues' plague Tasmania's public school return

ABC  

The Tasmanian government's back-to-school COVID packs have become the subject of online ridicule, with primary-aged children sent adult-sized masks — with parents being told smaller sizes will be available if needed. Key points: The start of the Tasmanian public school year has been hampered by the provision of ill-fitting masks and communication issues According to the government, primary schools will …

As mask mandates ease, should California schools be next?
3 years, 1 month ago

As mask mandates ease, should California schools be next?

LA Times  

Third-grade students wear masks in class in August at Montara Avenue Elementary School in South Gate. The CDC “still recommends that all schools encourage students to wear well-fitting masks consistently and while indoors,” Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a radio interview. “I would still keep the mask mandate indoors, but would consider relaxing masks outdoors — if 80% of …

Schools in England reinstate mask wearing rules in classrooms after surge in Covid cases
3 years, 1 month ago

Schools in England reinstate mask wearing rules in classrooms after surge in Covid cases

Daily Mail  

A number of schools are reinstating rules for pupils to wear facemasks after a surge in Covid cases, despite Government guidance last week which ended the requirement. Children wearing facemasks during a lesson at Outwood Academy in Woodlands, Doncaster Hailsham Community College in East Sussex is one of a number of schools who have reinstated face masks in the classroom …

Tasmanian back-to-school plan includes COVID packs for families
3 years, 1 month ago

Tasmanian back-to-school plan includes COVID packs for families

ABC  

The Tasmanian government will provide parents with a back-to-school COVID-19 pack, including rapid antigen tests, to help prepare for the start of term one on February 9. Back-to-school plan for masks at Tasmanian schools Photo shows Primary school students Tasmanian students aged 12 years and over will have to wear surgical masks and classrooms will be equipped with air purifiers …

Secondary school pupils will be told to wear face masks all day when they return this week
3 years, 2 months ago

Secondary school pupils will be told to wear face masks all day when they return this week

Daily Mail  

Secondary school pupils will be told to wear face masks from the moment they arrive until they leave when they return to classrooms this week. Ministers fear there will be a massive increase in Omicron cases when children return to the classroom next week Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi last night said he and Boris Johnson saw schools as their 'No …

How Victoria's COVID restrictions on masks, quarantine and density limits have changed
3 years, 4 months ago

How Victoria's COVID restrictions on masks, quarantine and density limits have changed

ABC  

From Friday November 19, Victorians can enjoy as much freedom as they've had since early 2020, with almost all COVID-19 restrictions removed. Density and capacity limits on hospitality businesses will be removed for fully vaccinated customers, meaning cafes and restaurants will no longer have to restrict the number of people inside their venues. Events with fewer than 30,000 people in …

How long will Covid-19 masking rules last?
3 years, 4 months ago

How long will Covid-19 masking rules last?

CNN  

CNN — A federal court judge’s decision to strike down Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban on school mask rules for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act could reverberate around the country and make new children eligible for the requirements. Atlanta’s mayor declared the city a “green zone” and said dropping Covid-19 cases allowed her to follow the science and lift …

What can Australia learn from the UK's return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic?
3 years, 5 months ago

What can Australia learn from the UK's return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic?

ABC  

This time next month, hundreds of thousands of students in New South Wales and Victoria will be back at school after months of home learning. Professor Russell also pointed out the UK had "minimal mitigation measures" in place when schools went back, and recently removed mandatory masks. Zoë Hyde, an epidemiologist at the University of Western Australia and member of …

NSW COVID-19 roadmap is changing — this is what you need to know
3 years, 5 months ago

NSW COVID-19 roadmap is changing — this is what you need to know

ABC  

New Premier, new COVID-19 roadmap. In just a couple of weeks, face masks will be optional in offices for fully vaccinated people, while schools will open for many year groups earlier than expected. From Monday October 11: Up to 10 visitors can gather in a home Up to 30 people can gather outdoors in public spaces Up to 100 people …

Four COVID cases linked to Victoria's GAT exam as science group pushes for masks in schools
3 years, 5 months ago

Four COVID cases linked to Victoria's GAT exam as science group pushes for masks in schools

ABC  

At least four students who sat Victoria's statewide General Achievement Test in person on Tuesday have tested positive to COVID-19. Key points: The students are from Melbourne's north and west, where the majority of new infections are being recorded The opposition wants all students back in schools two weeks earlier than under the government roadmap The OzSAGE science lobby group …

Victoria's plan for schools covers ventilation and vaccination — and experts say it's 'fantastic'
3 years, 5 months ago

Victoria's plan for schools covers ventilation and vaccination — and experts say it's 'fantastic'

ABC  

After 18 months of on-and-off home learning, the Victorian government has outlined how it plans to keep schools open when kids start returning to the classroom. "There are very clear public health reasons why it is a requirement for all staff to get vaccinated — it is the thing that will most protect staff, students and their families," he said. …

NSW records 882 COVID-19 cases, two deaths, students back-to-school from October 25
3 years, 6 months ago

NSW records 882 COVID-19 cases, two deaths, students back-to-school from October 25

ABC  

The NSW government has unveiled its long-awaited roadmap for schools to return to face-to-face teaching, as the state recorded 882 COVID-19 cases and two deaths. Key points: High case numbers mean NSW Health will no longer report the isolation status of new infections High case numbers mean NSW Health will no longer report the isolation status of new infections All …

State education board clears way for school mask mandate
3 years, 6 months ago

State education board clears way for school mask mandate

Associated Press  

— The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education overwhelmingly approved a measure Tuesday that gives state Education Commissioner Jeff Riley the authority to issue a universal mask mandate for K-12 public schools. And after the challenges of last year, it will be incredibly important for this year to get off on a strong start.” He also said it is …

SC health board joins groups asking to end school mask ban
3 years, 6 months ago

SC health board joins groups asking to end school mask ban

Associated Press  

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina’s health agency became the latest group Friday to ask lawmakers to make it clear that school districts can require students to wear masks without losing state budget money or any other penalties. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Board voted unanimously Friday to ask the House and Senate to come back in …

More than 800 doctors sign letter criticising DeSantis over school mask rules
3 years, 7 months ago

More than 800 doctors sign letter criticising DeSantis over school mask rules

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A group of more than 800 doctors signed a letter …

ASU requires masks; GOP lawmakers slam K-12 schools that do
3 years, 7 months ago

ASU requires masks; GOP lawmakers slam K-12 schools that do

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Stark differences in approaches to surging Arizona coronavirus cases continued to appear Wednesday as more medical providers and education institutions announced new measures to stop COVID-19 from spreading and Republican state lawmakers urged the governor to punish local school districts that require students to wear masks. The GOP lawmakers, led by Rep. Jake Hoffman of Queen Creek, released …

Gov: SC law ‘very clear’ in banning school mask mandates
3 years, 7 months ago

Gov: SC law ‘very clear’ in banning school mask mandates

Associated Press  

CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. As educators across the state mull how to handle a resurgent coronavirus ahead of the upcoming school year, South Carolina’s capital city ratified an ordinance Thursday mandating the use of masks in Columbia elementary and middle schools for at least the beginning of the school year. It’s that provision that McMaster — who served …

Schools reopen with masks optional in many US classrooms
3 years, 7 months ago

Schools reopen with masks optional in many US classrooms

Associated Press  

MCDONOUGH, Ga. — As Tussahaw Elementary opened this week for a new school year, teary-eyed mothers led in kindergartners dwarfed by backpacks and buses dropped off fifth graders looking forward to ruling their school. “They’re not vaccinated because they’re too young, and I don’t know if someone else is carrying it in,” said Dorsey, who is doubtful about the school …

Schools reopen with masks optional in many US classrooms
3 years, 7 months ago

Schools reopen with masks optional in many US classrooms

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “They’re not vaccinated because they’re too young, and I …

The Education Secretary Wants Schools To Host Vaccine Clinics
3 years, 7 months ago

The Education Secretary Wants Schools To Host Vaccine Clinics

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said Wednesday schools should use federal money to host coronavirus vaccine clinics as students return to in-person classes this fall, saying only “adult actions” could prevent students from returning to class full-time. “I would be very disappointed if adult actions interfere with students’ ability to learn in person.” Cardona also said states should …

Masks required in Oregon schools and state agency buildings
3 years, 7 months ago

Masks required in Oregon schools and state agency buildings

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Ore. — It has been a month since Oregon lifted statewide coronavirus-related restrictions, but this week Gov. The new guidance requires all state employees, visitors or customers — regardless of vaccination status — in any indoor state agency space to wear face coverings. The Oregon Health Authority followed suit in urging people to wear mask in indoor public spaces, …

Masks required in SA high schools and sport training to resume when COVID-19 lockdown ends
3 years, 7 months ago

Masks required in SA high schools and sport training to resume when COVID-19 lockdown ends

ABC  

High school students and teachers in South Australian schools will be required to wear masks when they return to classrooms as the state's COVID–19 lockdown comes to an end. Key points: SA's lockdown will end tonight, but some restrictions will remain in place Sporting competition will still be banned but not training to limit the exposure of people from different …

Leading Pediatrics Group Recommends All Kids Wear Masks In School This Fall
3 years, 7 months ago

Leading Pediatrics Group Recommends All Kids Wear Masks In School This Fall

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended Monday that all children over the age of 2 should wear masks in school this fall, regardless of vaccination status, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the nation. “Combining layers of protection that include vaccinations, masking and clean hands hygiene will make in-person learning safe and possible for everyone.” The body …

Schools reopening: American Academy of Pediatrics recommends masks in schools for everyone over 2, regardless of vaccinations
3 years, 8 months ago

Schools reopening: American Academy of Pediatrics recommends masks in schools for everyone over 2, regardless of vaccinations

CNN  

CNN — The American Academy of Pediatrics released new Covid-19 guidance for schools on Monday that supports in-person learning and recommends universal masking in school of everyone over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status – a stricter position than that taken this month by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “There are many children and others …

Boris Johnson confirms plans to scrap face mask requirement, says UK must learn to live with virus
3 years, 8 months ago

Boris Johnson confirms plans to scrap face mask requirement, says UK must learn to live with virus

Firstpost  

Johnson said legal controls will be replaced by ‘personal responsibility’ when the country moves to the final stage of its lockdown-lifting roadmap London: Britain plans to scrap laws requiring face masks and social distancing later this month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday, even as he acknowledged that lifting the restrictions will drive surging coronavirus cases higher. Johnson said …

Victoria records one new local COVID case as restrictions ease across the state
3 years, 9 months ago

Victoria records one new local COVID case as restrictions ease across the state

ABC  

Victoria has recorded one new locally acquired COVID-19 case as restrictions ease further across the state. Key points: The new case was detected from 35,252 test results, and 16,710 vaccine doses were administered at state-run sites Travel restrictions between Melbourne and regional Victoria have been dropped, and masks are no longer mandatory outdoors The Federal health minister disputes the Victorian …

Long-awaited milestones could soon return as more young Americans get vaccinated, CDC director says
3 years, 10 months ago

Long-awaited milestones could soon return as more young Americans get vaccinated, CDC director says

CNN  

CNN Films’ “Race for the Vaccine,” produced and narrated by Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, traces the world-changing discoveries of the vaccines against Covid-19. Watch Saturday, May 15, at 9 p.m. CNN — People fully vaccinated against Covid-19 generally don’t need to wear masks or practice social distancing inside or outside, the director of the US Centers for Disease …

Texas schools, stores divided on masks as mandate ends
4 years ago

Texas schools, stores divided on masks as mandate ends

Associated Press  

DALLAS — The end of Texas’ mask mandate is giving Lucy Alanis second thoughts about one of her occasional indulgences during the coronavirus pandemic: dining in at restaurants. Greg Abbott’s repeal of most COVID-19 restrictions — saying it was “time to open Texas 100%" — reverberated across the state and to the White House on Wednesday, a day after one …

All secondary school pupils to wear face masks in classrooms, government advises
4 years ago

All secondary school pupils to wear face masks in classrooms, government advises

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The plans are part of the government’s roadmap to easing …

Thousands of tutors register to help kids who fell behind due to coronavirus in Victorian schools
4 years, 1 month ago

Thousands of tutors register to help kids who fell behind due to coronavirus in Victorian schools

ABC  

There's growing excitement about the start of the school year as Victorian public school students prepare to return to the classroom on January 28. Overall, parents, teachers and students are feeling pretty "optimistic" about the new school year, said David Howes, the deputy secretary of Victoria's Department of Education and Training. There's a lot of enthusiasm just for getting back …

Victoria competing with rest of the world for PPE during coronavirus pandemic, Premier Dan Andrews says
4 years, 7 months ago

Victoria competing with rest of the world for PPE during coronavirus pandemic, Premier Dan Andrews says

ABC  

Victoria has a warehouse containing "19 million surgical masks" along with other items of personal protective equipment, Premier Daniel Andrews says, but accessing supplies was "very challenging" due to worldwide demand amid the coronavirus global pandemic. Key points: Healthcare workers say they are struggling wearing PPE for long hours, with added concerns the equipment is not of a standard that …

Victorian coronavirus cases climb as Government makes masks mandatory for Melbourne and Mitchell Shire
4 years, 8 months ago

Victorian coronavirus cases climb as Government makes masks mandatory for Melbourne and Mitchell Shire

ABC  

Residents in Metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire will soon be required to wear face coverings in public or risk a fine, as Victoria extends its state of emergency by another four weeks. Key points: Victoria has extended its state of emergency until August 16 Victoria has extended its state of emergency until August 16 Three people have died since …

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