24 January 2022
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) welcomes the back-to-school plans announced for New South Wales and Victoria. The RACP is however calling for a longer-term plan beyond the first four weeks of Term 1. The RACP also hopes all jurisdictions will soon follow their lead so that there is a consistent national approach.
RACP President Professor John Wilson says, “We appreciate that the New South Wales and Victorian governments have recognised the importance of keeping schools open and getting students back into a good learning environment.
“Face-to-face learning is incredibly important for students’ education, social connections, and mental health.
“Disruptions to school learning can have detrimental, lasting effects on students and that’s why we want to ensure school closures are an absolute last resort.
The RACP is pleased to hear that free Rapid Antigen Testing will be part of the back-to-school plans, for Term 1. However, the College says a longer-term plan must be considered beyond this.
“We know that the virus will still be circulating in our community well beyond the next few weeks. We’re going to need a detailed COVID-19 plan well after Term 1 and we need to see governments planning for this.” Professor Wilson said.
“We continue to strongly encourage vaccination and boosters for all staff and students, where eligible, and particularly before the school term begins.
“Other public health measures should also continue, such as physical distancing, handwashing, cough and sneeze etiquette, ventilation, staying home when unwell, frequent cleaning, student cohorting, and limiting visitors to school grounds.”
RACP Paediatrics and Child Health Division President and Paediatrician Dr. Catherine Choong says, “With the resumption of many school activities resuming, it’s important to provide for the wellbeing of all school community members. It is essential that all schools have a preparedness and thorough COVID-safe plan for creative activities to resume that ensures staff and student safety.
“We also need to consider our more vulnerable groups, such as children with disability or who are immunocompromised, and ensure additional safety measures are in place to enable participation in school.
“The aim is to ensure that the health of all students and staff is protected, and the wellbeing of students is addressed through better access to onsite learning.”
The RACP has been calling for state and territory governments to keep schools open to mitigate the mental, physical, and social effects of school closures since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.