The state government will be distributing free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to schools and early childhood centres in Melbourne’s north throughout term 3 and 4.
Up to 46.4 million RATs will be provided to schools and early childhood services, to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Mainstream schools and early childhood services will be allocated three packs of five RATs for every student and staff member per term.
Six packs of five RATs per term will be allocated to students and staff in specialist settings, recognising the higher risk of severe illness for medically vulnerable children.
More than 80 million RATs have been distributed to schools and early childhood services throughout Term 1 and 2.
Primary and secondary school students and staff, and early childhood education and care staff and children aged three to five are recommended to test at home if they experience COVID-19 symptoms or are a contact of a confirmed case.
Education minister Natalie Hutchins said: “We have kept our promise to ensure school doors have remained open from the beginning of term 1, and free RAT’s will stay to keep students and staff safe and learning face-to-face continues.”
