The heads of WA’s three school sectors have written a joint letter asking parents to send their kids to school in masks as a fresh Omicron wave sweeps through the state ahead of term three beginning this week.

The letter co-signed by the heads of the Education Department, Catholic Education WA and Association of Independent Schools WA was first revealed on Tuesday by Perth Live host Oly Peterson during his ‘Word on the Street’ segment.

A spokesperson from the Department of Education says,

“Students are strongly encouraged to wear masks to school as are school staff.”

It comes after the below email was sent to parents. pic.twitter.com/Jk9UpWhBfd

— Perth LIVE with Oliver Peterson (@PerthLive6PR) July 20, 2022

Breakfast host Gareth Parker said the letter did not specify a minimum age limit for students but parents were also urged to wear masks indoors if visiting a school.

“Are kids wearing them, will parents get on board? I have to say that when I move around the community, I don’t see all that many people wearing masks in shopping centres, for example,” Parker said.

“Don’t forget Mark McGowan says it’s up to you.

“He’s not insisting people work from home, he’s going against the national recommendation from chief health officer Paul Kelly on that.

“So times have changed, Westpac and Telstra have told their staff to work from home nationally.”

Tap PLAY 👇 for more details on the letter to parents

The letter asks for parents to:

• wear a mask indoors when visiting school
• ensuring the family stays up-to-date with COVID and flu vaccinations
• test their children for COVID-19 if they have symptoms or are a household close contact
• keep their children home if they are unwell
• maintain good hand hygiene