Rapid antigen testing needs to be seriously considered for use in schools before the next school year starts.
Shadow Education Minister Josh Willie said Tasmania’s schools will be key to stopping the spread of COVID-19 once borders reopen.
“We know COVID will enter the state and we know that children will be at a high risk due to being unvaccinated,” Mr Willie said.
“Rapid antigen testing is one way to minimise this risk and trials are currently underway interstate.
“We have seen in Canberra the pace at which COVID can spread in schools and having a rapid testing plan ready will help identify cases sooner.
“This in turn will help prevent further spread, help prevent school closures and help prevent parents and carers being forced to take additional time off work to look after children.”
Mr Willie said the government needed to start planning for next year now.
“Labor has been calling for some time for improved ventilation for our schools and rapid antigen testing is another way we can keep our children and the wider community safe from COVID-19.
“The government should look at the current pilot in Canberra to see how a similar program would work in Tasmania.
“The Kirby modelling told us that we can expect a high number of cases in Tasmanian children. The government must ensure the planning is in place so that when COVID enters the state, we are ready.”
Josh Willie MLC
Shadow Education Minister
