Prime Minister Scott Morrison again reiterated the importance of keeping schools open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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In his address to the nation on Wednesday, Mr Morrison stated his own children were still going to school, and he urged fellow Australian parents to listen to the advice of health experts and follow his lead.
But judging by the declining attendance figures throughout most NSW schools, it seems many parents aren't listening.
Some parents who have contacted the Mercury were concerned kids would spread COVID-19 simply by "doing kids things".
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One reported a new game doing the rounds at their child's schoolyard was called coronavirus tip - get caught and you fall down and die.
The Mercury also understands that a group of high school students at Illawarra school started coughing on each other as a joke after being warned about what to do to prevent spread of the virus.
In response to Mercury questions, a spokesperson for the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales said parents should keep up to date with the advice of NSW Health and make decisions based on that.
"The question of whether schools remain open should depend on the advice of health experts."
The NSW Teachers Federation added schools must be given clear advice on action to be taken in the event that health protocols necessary to control the spread of COVID-19 cannot be implemented.
Teachers and principals, like all members of the public, are impacted by developments associated with COVID-19.
NSWTF president Angelo Gavrielatos said beyond social distancing measures, teachers have raised serious concerns about a lack of resources necessary to ensure satisfactory levels of cleaning and sanitation to maintain good hygiene.
"The lack of clarity, consistency and, at times, conflicting advice and opinions expressed by the medical community and elected leaders is creating considerable stress for teachers and principals," Mr Gavrielatos said.
"The government must ensure that its Work Health & Safety obligations to all staff and students are met.
"The Teachers Federation will continue to work constructively with the Department of Education to ensure the health and safety of all public school communities."
Catholic schools across the country signalled their intention to remain open.
National Catholic Education Commission executive director Jacinta Collins said Catholic schools will adhere to the Australian Government's advice to remain open and operational.
This assurance comes amid calls to keep teachers and support staff at centre of COVID-19 talks
The IEUA NSW/ACT branch represents teachers and support staff in Catholic systemic, independent and other non government schools, as well as early learning centres and post-secondary colleges throughout NSW and the ACT.
The IEUA is calling for immediate crisis talks with employers representing non government schools and early learning centres about the vexed issue of social distancing and other concerns in the face of COVID-19.
"Teachers and support staff need to be at the very centre of this conversation," said Secretary Mark Northam.
"Any decisions made must be firmly grounded in education and health priorities, not economic concerns."
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