The pupil free days will be held from April 6-9.

Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania

Mr Rockliff said expert advice was clear that schools were still safe for staff and students to attend, but that the extra days would give teachers enough time to prepare for online learning.

"It is important that we are well prepared to support children to learn at home, should sites need to close in the future," Mr Rockliff said.

The announcement has been questioned by the Australian Education Union, as well as nurses, principals, school teachers and TAFE teachers.

AEU Tasmanian president Helen Richardson said the government's concern for teachers was welcome, but that the student free days needed to start from Monnday, March 30.

"It's some recognition by Peter Gutwein of teacher health and preparation concerns but it's not enough soon enough and we note there is nothing in his Government's announcement for TAFE," she said.

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"Premier Gutwein needs to apply the leadership he showed in shutting Tasmania's borders early to our schools - moving to student-free days from Monday, before it's too late."

Mr Rockliff said parents and carers would be supported to in their choice to have their children learn from home, but that on-site learning would continue for as long as possible.

"While attendance figures are declining, Tasmanian government schools will continue to be open next week for students who are unable to learn at home," he said.

"It is important that we continue to offer learning on school sites for as long as the health advice is that they are safe to stay open.

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