On Monday there were three crossings across Tasmania that were unstaffed, and there were five on Tuesday.

A State Growth spokesman said the shortage was due to a reduction in available staff.

"We are currently experiencing a reduction in available crossing staff due to COVID-19 health advice for those aged over 70 given around 20 per cent of our crossing guards are retirees looking to continue to contribute to the community," the spokesman said.

State Growth is working with health authorities to find other options to increase staffing numbers for crossing guards to address the shortfall. They said when staff could not cover a crossing, there was a range of people who could fill the gap.

"Where we are unable to staff a crossing, transport inspectors, police and teachers are enlisted where possible to assist in the safe crossing of children, and crossing flags remain in place," the spokesman said.

Despite whether a crossing guard is in place, the spokesman said drivers are required to adhere to speed and give way rules, and a parent or guardian should accompany young children at crossings.

Kinder to Grade 6 pupils, along with years 11 and 12 students returned to campus this week, after weeks of learning at home.

One thing that has not been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic is school bus routes, which have continued as usual. School bus services have been maintained throughout the health crisis and gathering restrictions to cater to children who were unable to be supervised at home.

However, with more students coming back to school, routes are being monitored to determine whether any changes are needed.

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"With the return of students to school, additional cleaning of all dedicated school buses is taking place with a focus on high-contact areas," the spokesman said.

The spokesperson said health advice did not require the wearing of masks or other physical protective equipment on public transport and had not made the decision to provide bus drivers with PPE.

The statement comes despite union calls earlier this week for mandatory masks on public transport, as passenger numbers on Metro buses plummet.

School buses are now cleaned each morning and afternoon on school days and bus travel is still free.

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