NSW's return-to-school plan explained: What you need to know

Students and staff in New South Wales schools will be asked to take COVID-19 rapid antigen tests twice a week as the state prepares to return to face-to-face learning.

Under a new plan released today, free COVID-19 test kits will be distributed to schools that will then be passed on to families.

Mask mandates will also return for all school staff, for all secondary school students, and is highly recommended for some primary-age children.

From RAT kits to mask mandates, here's what we know about NSW's return to school plan:

READ MORE: Twice-weekly RATs, mask mandates in NSW back-to-school plans

Will school begin as scheduled in New South Wales?

It will.

Under today's plan, schools will return to face-to-face learning as scheduled.

Currently, schools are scheduled to begin face-to-face learning with students on February 1.

Will my child have to do a rapid antigen COVID-19 test?

They will be asked to perform regular rapid antigen tests.

Under the plan, free RAT kits are being distributed from the NSW Government to your child's school.

Schools will make contact with parents to arrange a way for families to pick up these test kits.

All students are asked to take a rapid antigen test before returning for the first day of school.

How often does my child have to do a rapid test?

Twice a week for the first four weeks of term.

The NSW Government is asking parents to give their children a rapid antigen test twice a week as a form of "surveillance testing".

The twice-weekly schedule is not mandated.

Are the tests free?

Yes.

What happens after four weeks?

The NSW Government has said it will seek health advice for testing arrangements after four weeks, with "more supplies available" if necessary.

What if my child tests positive, or what if one of their friends does?

If your child tests positive, you are asked to inform your school principal and register their result with Health NSW as with any other positive rapid antigen test.

Parents, carers and family members of an enrolled child will be informed if there is a positive COVID-19 case in their school community.

If there is, parents and carers are asked to monitor their child for symptoms.

If they have no symptoms, they can continue to go to school as normal.

Will schools close if there is a positive case?

No.

Schools will remain open if a positive case is detected but parents and carers will be notified and all attendees will be asked to monitor for symptoms and continue with their rapid antigen testing.

Will teachers who are household close contacts have to isolate?

Isolation periods for teachers will be at their discretion.

If they are asymptomatic and have returned a negative COVID-19 test result on a rapid test, they can return to work.

If they are symptomatic or have a member of a household who needs care, then they can continue with the national guideline of seven days isolation for household close contacts.

Will my child have to wear a mask?

Potentially, depending on your child's age.

Under the new plan, masks have been mandated for all secondary (high school) students.

Masks have been "highly recommended" but not mandated for primary school children in Year 3 and above.

All teachers - regardless of whether they work in a secondary or primary school - will be required to wear a mask at work.

What about daycares and early childhood centres?

Under the plan, the NSW Government will be distributing thousands of rapid antigen tests to early childhood centres.

Educators and staff at these centres will be asked to perform surveillance testing similar to staff at primary and secondary schools.