Up to 46.4 million RATs will be provided over terms three and four to schools and early childhood services, ensuring the continuation of face-to-face learning while keeping students and staff as safe as possible.
Mainstream schools and early childhood services will be allocated three packs of five RATs for every student and staff member per term, while six packs of five RATs per term will be allocated to students and staff in specialist settings, recognising the higher risk of severe illness for medically vulnerable children.
Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins the Victorian Government have kept their promise to ensure school doors have remained open from the beginning of term 1.
“Free RAT’s will stay to keep students and staff safe and learning face-to-face continues,” she said.
“We thank teachers, parents and students for their hard work in keeping each other safe during this time – whether it’s setting up new purifiers, to getting your child vaccinated or staying home if unwell.”
Primary and secondary school students and staff, and early childhood education and care staff and children aged 3 to 5 are recommended to test at home if they experience COVID-19 symptoms or are a contact of a confirmed case.
