Schools will adopt social distancing measures requiring them to cancel assemblies, excursions, travel, some events and conferences, Department of Education secretary Mark Scott has announced.

He said these measures are precautionary and designed to reduce exposure via non-essential gatherings.

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"Schools have been a focus of the community and the government as the impacts of coronavirus have developed globally," Mr Scott said.

"From Monday onward, I expect school assemblies and substantial gatherings to be cancelled, along with all excursions.

"The community expects schools to be as safe as possible. We are implementing these measures to provide peace of mind for students, parents and staff."

"These cancellations also extend to inter-school arts, sports, initiative activities and events."

All major arts, sports and Initiative activities and events will temporarily be ceased until further notice. This includes whole school sporting events and inter-school events involving three or more schools.

"Local inter-school sport and other activities can proceed but we ask organisers to ensure that as far as possible, reasonable precautions are taken," Mr Scott said.

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"I trust our principals and staff to show leadership during this time."

Schools will be provided with more detailed advice and suggestions on how they can adjust their day-to-day activities with minimal disruption.

The Department is continuing to prepare for further closures if necessary with scaling up of technology, additional training of staff and preparation of offsite lessons.

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Information for families and students in self-isolation has bee provided by the department, along with general COVID-19 advice for schools.

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