Preliminary testing of physical sand samples from Tasmanian Government schools has not indicated the presence of asbestos.
The Department of Education, Children and Youth will continue to engage in monitoring and testing.
The advice from the national Environmental Health Standing Committee has confirmed there is very low risk to human health.
Overnight, four schools fully reopened and a further 11 have transitioned from full closure to partial closure.
Schools are implementing safe and creative solutions, such as relocating classes to alternative spaces and adjusting delivery, to maximise attendance and maintain continuity of learning.
The safety of our staff and students remains at the centre of every decision we make.
We are working closely with relevant specialist advisors to implement our cleaning program, which is being delivered by licensed cleaning contractors.
Initial work has commenced at priority sites and the program will expand to other sites in the coming days.
I would like to thank families and staff for their patience and understanding while we work through this process.
We will continue to support schools to return to normal operations as soon as possible.
