Are you safe in the classroom?

Teachers everywhere are experiencing fear and anxiety about an increased risk of catching COVID-19 in the classroom.

This is not just the risk to teachers themselves, but to their families, students and those most vulnerable.  If you are also concerned, you are not alone.

“My anxiety is rising and I feel quite helpless. From now on I am wearing a mask if I’m out and about. I can’t wear one while teaching because kids need to see my face, but any other time I’ll have one on.” – QLD Relief teacher

The current message from the Department of Education is:

“Staff who are vulnerable or live with a vulnerable person should not be in the workplace and should discuss options with their principal to allow working from home.”

TPAQ question whether the current guidelines and school policy do enough to protect teacher safety? 

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young told the Courier Mail on 25 August that “school teachers need to beware of their adult colleagues, rather than students”. 

Has your school made changes to protect teachers and school staff from COVID-19?  Members have reported a lack of soap, hand sanitiser and cleaning material in bathrooms and classrooms.  At a bare minimum, these items should be made available in all QLD Schools. 

The onus is on the employer to provide a safe workplace and follow the directions of the Chief Health Officer.  If you have concerns these should be raised.

QED advises that school staff should follow these guidelines:

•         avoid sharing small office spaces.
•         adhere to physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres (4m2 per adult in an enclosed space), including in staff rooms and other shared spaces.
•         continue to practise good hand washing and cough-sneeze hygiene.
•         unwell staff members must remain or return home.
•         open windows to promote air flow where possible and environmental conditions such as cold weather allow.
•         take appropriate security measures if working in isolated areas of school sites.

Learn more at https://qed.qld.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/novel-coronavirus/covid-19-operating-guidelines-for-queensland-state-schools