Restrictions that were set to be lifted on January 27 will now be extended for another month the NSW Premier announced today as the state prepares for the return to school.

"This is a cautious approach, a safe and measured response," NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said. 

"As we send our children back to school and as mobility increases, we will expect cases to rise so this is a measured approach for the return of school."

The restrictions, which were re-introduced in December, include wearing face masks indoors, density limits to 2 sqm and no singing and dancing in hospitality venues. 

"We are taking a cautious approach as we focus on getting kids back in the classroom, as well making sure we get non-urgent elective surgery back."

Mr Perrottet said that with the current trajectory of hospitalisations, it is hoped that non-elective surgery will return Mid-February. 

It comes as the Government confirms 7 million Rapid Antigen Tests are being distributed to schools across the state. 

"If you do have any symptoms, don't send kids to school," Education Secretary Georgina Harrisson said. 

50 per cent of schools in Sydney and North Sydney have received the kits to date there is no confirmation on regional kits being delivered yet.  

Ms Harrison said that continuing the COVID practices that were implemented at the end of last year is increasing the safety of students and teachers. 

"We are the only state that has checked the airflow in every single classroom," she continued. 

"We will also have more air purifiers going out to our schools this week.

These practices include staggered start and finish times, limiting cohort mingling and masks for teachers and in high school classrooms.