RATs at schools continues in term two

The state government will continue to provide free rapid test kits to families through schools and early childhood settings for the start of term 2.

While Victoria’s surveillance testing system remains voluntary, the government said it wanted parents to be confident sending their kids to school, kinder and childcare – and that testing can help.

This week 16 million RATs will be distributed for students, staff and children across the education system to use for at least the first four weeks of Term 2.

“We know surveillance testing has prevented tens of thousands of kids getting sick and having their schools shut – and we thank the many Victorian families who have opted into voluntary testing,” said Education Minister James Merlino.

According to modelling by the Department of Health, the government estimates voluntary surveillance testing has prevented 113,500 COVID infections throughout Term 1.

Testing recommendations will remain the same, with all primary and secondary school students and staff, and early childhood education and care staff and children, encouraged to test at home twice a week.

Those at special schools are encouraged to test five days each week due to the higher risk for medically vulnerable children.

The government is also providing a further 60,000 air purifiers currently to schools.

The government is encouraging children aged 5 to 11 to get their first and second doses, and staff and students aged 16 to 17 to get their third dose.

It said the measures were an important step to ensure that schools and early childhood centres remain as safe as possible for staff and students in Term 2 and throughout the winter months.