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<h3>The NSW department of education offers a closer look at its recommendations for schools in the state that has so far been worst-affected by coronavirus pandemic&#8230;</h3>
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<h1>A frontline look at social distancing in schools</h1>
<p>Mark Scott, Secretary of the Department of Education, visited one of NSW&#8217;s public schools to get a look at how staff are coping. Mark has worked as a teacher, in public administration and as a journalist and media executive. He writes&#8230; </p>
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<p>Today I visited Leichhardt Public School to see firsthand how our staff and students are coping with the new social distancing measures to control the COVID-19 virus.</p>
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<p>The principal, Chris Beunen, told me the school has made some drastic changes to school drop-off routines, staggered lunch times to minimise the number of students in the playground at the same time, and a big focus on hygiene. Great to hear that students are taking those hygiene messages back home, too</p>
<p>We&#8217;re minimising the number of students in the playground at any point in time and maintaining a sense of normality so they&#8217;re enjoying coming to school, &#8211; Tim told me.</p>
<p>Schools are an essential service and our advice from health authorities is that schools should still stay open.</p>
<p>I want to thank all our school staff who really are at the frontline, working with students and parents during these unprecedented times.</p>
<p>You&#8217;re doing remarkable work at this time of great national effort to help secure the health and wellbeing of our country.</p>
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<h2>Health and hygiene advice to schools</h2>
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<p>The NSW Education Department has provided advice to schools on health and hygiene practices in schools to limit the spread of germs, including viruses, in school communities.</p>
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<h2>Cleaning and hygiene actions</h2>
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<li>Enhanced cleaning will take place in all schools from 18 March 2020.</li>
<li>We will continue to be in regular contact with all principals to understand current levels of supplies of soap and hygiene products.</li>
<li>All schools will receive additional provisions of soap and hygiene supplies, such as hand sanitiser.</li>
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<h2>Tidy surfaces for effective cleaning</h2>
<p>To allow effective cleaning in our schools, we have asked staff to tidy workspaces and high traffic surfaces in learning spaces and staff areas.</p>
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<li>Store all loose items off the floor level (where possible), including around desks and in non-teaching spaces.</li>
<li>Desks, worktables, and work benches must be clear of all paper, resources, equipment etc. This includes non-teaching spaces. Items such as telephones, computer equipment are not considered as obstructions and do not need to be removed.</li>
<li>All loose student work, art materials and resources that are normally stored on furniture in learning spaces should be stored in student tote trays and storage cupboards.</li>
<li>All sinks, troughs and workbenches in industrial arts and lab areas need to be clear of materials, resources and hazards to ensure cleaners can access these spaces.</li>
<li>Staffrooms &#8211; clear away all crockery, resources (including books and papers) and any food materials from all surfaces.</li>
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<h2>Help manage the spread of the virus</h2>
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<li>Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.</li>
<li>Sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, disposing of the tissue straight away and then washing your hands.</li>
<li>Stay home if you are unwell and in schools, send home staff or students who show signs of being unwell through the day.</li>
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