COMMENTS ON THE RETURN TO SCHOOL

Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, is concerned that the NSW school year is due to begin just as the current Omicron wave of COVID-19 is expected to reach its peak.

He is urging the government to make sure schools are well-prepared for the return of students and staff.

“School staff, students and families all need to be reassured that plans are in place to help minimise the risks of COVID-19 being transmitted in our classrooms,” Dr McGirr said.

“There must be an adequate supply of rapid antigen tests and consideration needs to be given to issues such as adequate ventilation and mask wearing.

“I am also concerned that, with vaccinations for children aged between five and 11 only just becoming available, vaccination rates may not be high enough by the time school is due to begin.

“The government may need to consider delaying the start of the school year by a week or two to make sure all of these measures are place.”