Hunter Students are not required to wear face masks on school bus or public transport

The NSW government has released it’s school restrictions for 2021 and some parents are outraged that they will be shut out from assisting their young children transitioning into Kindergarten after day one. Whilst other parents are confused over wearing masks on public transport in the Hunter Region.

We can confirm Hunter students are not required to wear face masks on school busses or public trsnsport in the Hunter Region.

Students over the age of 12 and staff must comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Mandatory Face Coverings) Order 2021External link when travelling to and from school and during school excursions by public transport, or by chartered/private transport services. This applies to staff and students who reside or travel to and from Greater Sydney (including the Blue Mountains), Central Coast and Wollongong.

Public Health Order

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell announced:

• Parents and carers of children in kindergarten, and Year 1,2 and 7 will be able to enter school grounds on the first day to drop off their children in a Covid-safe way.
• Individual schools will provide relevant information to families about the processes for their school prior to the first day.
• Students, staff and parents are not required to wear masks however anyone aged 12 and above are required to wear a mask on public transport.
• Parents are asked to avoid coming onto school grounds unless the visit complies with current school guidelines such as volunteering at the school canteen.
• Schools can still plan for sporting carnivals, excursions, overnight camps and special events providing a Covid-safe plan is in place.
• Students aged 12 and over must comply with the Public Health Orders around masks at all other relevant locations within the community, and also during external school activities.
• Schools can now turn on water fountains and bubblers for students to use.
• P&C meetings can continue.

For further information on school restrictions and advice for families see http://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families

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