There's been a steep increase in COVID-19 patients in NSW hospitals and 24 more deaths, as the education minister promises positive cases won't force classrooms closures under the state's back-to-school plan.
States and territories will go their own way on a safe return to schools despite weeks of leaders discussing a co-ordinated approach, with the ACT planning for students to return to on-campus learning when Term 1 begins.Â
The pandemic has affected every Australian in some way, but many young people and children need extra support this year to help them get back to school.
All student year groups are returning to NSW classrooms for face-to-face learning despite some schools being closed for deep cleaning after COVID-19 cases.
Today, four in five primary students will return to school with a packed lunch, which equates to thousands of school lunches across the ACT today alone.
