Back to school what you need to know

By Millie Stocks

As students prepare to return to schools across the Moreton Bay Region on Monday, we outline the COVID-19 restrictions and advice to parents.

While a mask mandate remains in place until July 16, students and staff are not required to wear a face mask when travelling on school transport or while at school.

Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace and Health Minister Yvette D’Ath say teachers, students and parents must however remember to adhere to other COVID-19 restrictions.

Ms Grace says school communities are no strangers to following health advice.

“It is imperative that until 6pm on July 16, state schools in South East Queensland, Townsville, Magnetic Island and Palm Island follow the below health advice,” she says.

When masks must be worn

The health advice states that adults, including volunteers and family members, are required to wear a face mask if they cannot socially distance from each other at school.

“Parents and carers across the state are discouraged from congregating in or around the school, in the car park, at drop off and pick up, outside classrooms or at the school gate,” Ms Grace says.

Ms D’Ath is thanking school communities in advance for following the rules.

“Everyone needs to remember to social distance, stay home if sick, and get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild,” Ms D’Ath says.

“Parents and teachers should continue to practice good hygiene and wash their hands often and encourage children to do so.”

For more information, visit the Department of Education website.