‘Clash of two crises’: fears for NSW schools as Covid pandemic and ongoing teacher shortages collide

Exclusive: School administrators have been warned Covid infections may force 20% of staff off work when classes resume

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A clash of two crises" is looming when students return to New South Wales schools, as the Omicron wave adds pressure to a system that already faced severe and prolonged staffing shortages before the pandemic.

As the state government prepares to release at Thursday's national cabinet meeting its long-awaited plan for the return of students, school administrators have been warned up to 20% of staff could be forced off work because of Covid infections and isolation rules once classes resume early next month.

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