School travel ban extended to United States and Canada

The ban on school-related international excursions for Western Australian schools has been extended to include travel to Canada and the United States of America.

The travel ban extension applies to all public, private and Catholic schools. It includes both staff and students and has been made following advice from the Chief Health Officer.

The spread of COVID-19 across the United States has prompted a change in travel advice for WA school children. The shared border between the United States and Canada has led to the inclusion of Canada in the new travel ban.

New Zealand is now the only country where international travel by WA school groups will be considered.

As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:

“I’ve taken this decision to extend the travel ban to include Canada and the United States following advice from the Chief Health Officer.

“We have a duty of care to school students and staff, with the aim of reducing the possibility of exposure to the coronavirus while overseas.

“I will continue to seek the advice of the Chief Health Officer to ensure schools have the latest information to keep students and staff safe.”

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