The success of the rapid antigen test surveillance program relies on overcoming the logistical challenges of distributing tests to students and ensuring they are actually used at home, with the results acted upon appropriately. Schools will need support to bring families on board, with clear communication strategies tailored to different languages and cultural backgrounds.
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On the school operational side, the looming threat of staff shortages is likely to be the biggest headache for school leaders. New guidelines that allow teachers to keep working if they are a close contact, provided they are asymptomatic and return a negative rapid antigen test daily, should make a big difference, while keeping risks fairly low.
Government guidelines for schools that provide for staffing work-arounds, including combining classes and drawing on a pool of retired teachers and other support staff, will also help. But there is a good chance school will look different for many children, and many staff will be asked to work outside their comfort zone.
This is not the smooth start to Term 1 we’d all been hoping for, and it might be tempting to ask if it’s worth it. We think the answer is a clear yes. Victorian children have already endured huge disruptions to their schooling. They deserve every chance to have the best start to 2022 that we can provide.
We should all do our bit to make this possible.
Dr Jordana Hunter is Education Program Director at the Grattan Institute. Dr Stephen Duckett is Health Program Director at the Grattan Institute.
Source: SMH
