Boarding school students will be able to return to school next term, after some COVID restrictions are eased.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the move followed the latest update from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
“Today’s announcement means boarding schools will welcome back as many boarding students into their schools as it is safe to do so,” Mr Miles said.
“The AHPPC has now removed the previous advice around a 25 per cent occupancy.
“This is a fantastic outcome for regional and remote families, especially the students who have continue to learn at home while their classmates returned to school.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said it was a positive move to get more boarding school children back into the classroom sooner.
“Ensuring the health and wellbeing of Queensland students remains our highest priority,” Ms Grace said.
“It is essential that we balance the lifting of all restrictions with ensuring we keep everyone safe during the ongoing global pandemic.
“Relaxing some restrictions is an exciting step forward for Queensland that will have a positive impact on regional and remote school students.
“As we continue our road to recovery, we look forward further to seeing more milestones like these.”
Each boarding school facility will be required to undertake COVID-19 Risk Management Plans specific to their school and facilities.
Based on these plans, it will be up to each individual school to work with their local Public Health Units to determine how many school children they can safely have on campus.
This will be based on considerations such as accommodation and sleeping arrangements, hygiene facilities, entry and exists and management of other shared areas.
