More students have returned to classrooms in the latest sign life is edging towards a new normal under the shadow of coronavirus.
Public schools across NSW and Queensland welcomed children back on Monday after about two months of most students learning from home.
Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT are staging staggered returns, while schools in South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory are already open.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said many students had walked, been dropped off or taken dedicated services to school, easing the pressure on public transport.
"Can I thank parents for listening to our advice in relation to not only schools being open and safe, but also in relation to how students get to school," she told reporters in Sydney on Monday.
In New South Wales schools had an 86 per cent attendance rate, lower than usual, showing that some concerned parents are still keeping their kids at home.
Federal Labor's early childhood education spokeswoman Amanda Rishworth wants schools to be given more hygiene and learning resources to cope with the return.
"This is a good day but we need to make sure schools have the resources and the support," she told Sky News.
For mother Alerissa Pinto, whose two children Danilo Franco and Luana Franco went back to Narwee Public School in western Sydney on Monday, the return to campus has come too quickly.
She says she thinks the government is rushing the return and it would be better to have children at school for just a few days a week for the next few weeks.
Mother Alerissa Pinto says she is concerned return to school is happening too quickly. Source: SBS
“What guarantees are there the kids aren’t going to hug each other? They are not going to be washing every five seconds? I am kind of scared, it would be better to have the option,” she added.
She said that despite the challenges she faced working from home while the children were also studying from home, she felt it provided them with an opportunity to get closer.
“Our school was about them being independent, them having a routine, them enjoying things. I want them not to stress about coronavirus."
Danilo and Luana Franco's mother Alerissa made them homeschooling uniforms to wear while classrooms were closed. Source: Supplied
She is also concerned as the children’s father is in a high-risk category of contracting the virus.
“What I said to the kids was look after your father, telling the kids they need to wash their hands every day. Remember your father and wash more. Now we just need God to help us and protect us."
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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