COVID-19 advice for parents, students and children

COVID-19 is still active in the community. Children and teenagers are less likely to have serious illness from COVID-19, but they can still transmit the virus to others. 

Students, staff and visitors should stay home when sick and only attend school when they are symptom-free. We strongly encourage all students, staff and visitors to follow the advice on testing and what to do if you have COVID-19. 

Rapid antigen tests (RAT) are no longer available free of charge to schools and can be purchased from most pharmacies and supermarkets. NSW Health recommends testing for COVID-19 if you have symptoms and are at higher risk of serious illness. Read more detail from the NSW Department of Education on COVID-19 advice for families.

For early childhood education and care information, refer to: 

• Early childhood education and care (ECEC) COVID-19 guidance for families
• NSW Department of Education: COVID safe practices in early childhood education

A school-level outbreak of COVID-19 may trigger the NSW Department of Education to direct the school to adopt one or more of the following additional COVID-smart measures for a short period of time:

• ceasing large indoor gatherings
• ceasing off-site and inter-school activities
• cancelling or postponing overnight activities and excursions, including school camps
• recommending mask wearing for adults and high school students and encouraging mask wearing for primary aged students
• limiting visitors to schools
• separating cohorts of students
• learning from home.

Schools, students and families will also be reminded about good hand hygiene including regular hand washing and to stay at home if they are unwell.

If your child has no symptoms and there is a positive case in their class, year or other grouping, they can continue to attend school in line with NSW Health advice.

Schools will regularly communicate to parents about the presence and impact of COVID-19 in their school community.

The NSW Government strongly encourages all family members and school staff  to stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations and other childhood vaccinations. 

Read more about COVID-19 vaccination for children 6 months and older at Department of Health and Aged Care – Australian Immunisation Handbook – COVID-19.

Book a vaccination using the healthdirect Service Finder.

Read more about vaccination for children.

Parents and carers who are unsure whether their child has missed any vaccinations should speak with their GP or refer to NSW Government’s Immunisation requirements in primary and secondary schools.

Masks are an effective way of reducing the spread of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Find more information and guidance for using face masks.

Fresh air is the most effective form of ventilation to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. 

Schools are encouraged to use outdoor spaces for large gatherings, weather permitting. 

Read the COVID-19 guidance on ventilation.