Western Australia records 15 local COVID-19 cases, return to school plan revealed
Western Australia has recorded 18 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, and the state's return to school plan has been announced.
Premier Mark McGowan said there were 15 local cases of the virus, of which two are unlinked to previous infections. Three travel-related cases in quarantine were also reported.
Meanwhile, there are two people in hospital with COVID-19, including one person in intensive care.
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Return to school plan revealed
Mr McGowan has announced new measures for the safety of students and teachers when returning to school for term one.
Every school in the state has been assessed for ventilation levels.
He said CO2 monitors would be provided in schools where required, while there would be "enhanced cleaning services across the state".
Education Minister Sue Ellery said 12,000 air filters were being provided to schools where required.
Mr McGowan said mask-wearing would be required in Perth, Peel and the south-west, while proof of vaccination would be required for staff and regular visitors to schools.
Western Australia has reported 18 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours. 9News
The Premier said the government wanted students and staff to feel as safe as possible when schools return next week.
Ms Ellery said keeping WA students in classrooms was a priority for the state in 2022.
"Schools will be the first to open and the last to close. Face-to-face learning will be our priority," she said.
"We want students back at school."
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New safety measures have been announced for the return to school Getty Images/iStockphoto
Ms Ellery added parents could attend schools for drop-offs and school events, but parent volunteers who were on campus at least weekly would be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Parents have been urged to keep unwell children at home and to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19.
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Education Minister Sue Ellery urged parents to keep children who are unwell at home. 9News
Ms Ellery also flagged the possibility of stricter measures, including cohorting if COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the state.
She said the state's Chief Health Officer could order all or parts of schools to close while contract tracing cases of the virus took place.
Both the Premier and Education Minister emphasised the importance of vaccination in the return to school plan.
"The best protection for your child is vaccination," Ms Ellery said.
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