PUBLIC schools in the ACT are planning for the digital delivery of lessons but for the moment, school’s will remain open, according the ACT government.
The preparations come after the ACT government declared the ACT as being in its first health state of emergency in response to the fast evolving COVID-19 situation across Australia.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith announced the preparations at a press conference this afternoon (March 26) saying if it becomes required, ACT public schools will use technology enabled learning and chrome books.
At this early stage, there is no requirement for schools to close, says Mr Barr, but to ensure schools remain as safe as possible the ACT government recommends that schools suspend sports carnivals and large concerts, consider postponing school fetes and other events and begin postponing excursions from today, with excursions planned for later in the month or next month considered case by case.
Mr Barr says the ACT government is asking for the community’s support to ensure these measures are followed and that everyone is doing the right thing to protect one another.
The ACT Cabinet met this morning to further discuss the Federal Government’s response to COVID-19, including any service changes as a result of the declaration of a public health emergency in the ACT.
Mr Barr says decisions will be made by the ACT government in a calm and sensible manner, guided by the expert advice of health professionals.
“The national response to this public health emergency is not an easy process. What we are seeking is a balance between slowing the spread to so we can treat those that will need critical health support, and a complete destruction of our economy,” he says.
“Each decision we will make in the coming months will be difficult, and it will have consequences on the way of life we have come to expect. The decisions we make in response to COVID-19 must be done knowing that we will be managing this for a significant period of time.
“Ensuring we effectively respond to the risk posed by a rapid spread of COVID-19 is our top priority. We will continue to work with the state and territories, support and resource our health services and respond appropriately to protect our community.”
There are currently two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the ACT.
For up to date information on COVID-19 visit health.act.gov.
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