The NSW government has announced changes in restrictions for schools as the state records 8931 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths in the 24 hours to 4pm.
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From Monday, February 28, masks will no longer be required in high schools for students or staff, while visitors and parents will be allowed back on school grounds.
Students will be allowed to freely interact between classes and year groups as 'cohorting' requirements are eased, and school assemblies and camps will recommence.
From Monday, March 7, masks will no longer be required for primary school and early education staff.
However, the requirements for staff in 'Schools for Specific Purposes' will not change, with masks still required, based on health advice.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said from next week rapid antigen tests would no longer be required on a surveillance testing basis as was being done two days per week.
"We will be supplying two tests per week for the next two weeks and in addition a family pack of four per child and they are to be used if the child has symptoms or for piece of mind going forward," Mr Perrottet said.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said this was the first time since the pandemic started two years ago that students have enjoyed this level of normality.
"Relaxing cohorting and restrictions on visitors will let more parents engage with their child's school and allow students to participate in cross-year group activities, which is welcome news for both students and parents everywhere,' Ms Mitchell said.
"The return to school, and now the return to school life, is successful because of the tremendous efforts and teamwork from all parents, staff and students. I thank all of our school communities for their support."
The state's COVID case numbers have grown on yesterday when the state recorded 8752 new infections.
There are 1246 COVID-19 patients in hospital, with 69 in ICU.
Hospitalisation numbers are down on yesterday, when 1293 patients were being cared for with 71 in ICU.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Of the new cases, 5661 came from positive rapid antigen tests while 3270 came from PCR testing.
The state's population aged 16 years and over is 94.3 per cent double vaccinated, while 95.7 per cent have had their first COVID-19 vaccine shot.
52.2 per cent have had their third dose of vaccine.
Those aged between 12 and 15 years are 79 per cent double vaccinated, while 83.6 per cent have had their first dose.
Of those aged 5 to 11 years old, 46.9 per cent have had their first vaccine dose.
NSW Health will release further details of today's cases at 11am.
Kim Chappell
As Senior Producer - Digital for ACM's regional titles I assist newsrooms in digital best practice. Before this role, I was the digital journalist with ACM's national team and prior to that, the digital specialist with ACM's Agricultural division. I started as a general rounds journalist with The Land in 2006, moving up to hold the title of chief of staff before switching to digital reporting in 2015.
As Senior Producer - Digital for ACM's regional titles I assist newsrooms in digital best practice. Before this role, I was the digital journalist with ACM's national team and prior to that, the digital specialist with ACM's Agricultural division. I started as a general rounds journalist with The Land in 2006, moving up to hold the title of chief of staff before switching to digital reporting in 2015.
