EMC COVID Update

Latest DET advice regarding COVID-19

It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students when symptomatic. Students are still able to collect RATs from Student Services during lunchtime whenever needed.

The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians should report their RAT result to the Department of Health online, or by calling 1800 675 398.

Students (or their parents/carers) should also report a positive result to their school, either through the COVID Test portal or by phone or written notification.

Students who wish to wear a face mask will be supported to do so. Masks are also available at Student Services for students to collect when needed.

The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home.

Additionally, the Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for at least 7 days after a positive test when they need to leave home.

Students and visitors to schools should practice good hand hygiene, particularly on arrival to school, before and after eating, after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet.

A student who is symptomatic should be recommended to undergo testing for COVID-19. Parents/carers of students who are symptomatic should be asked to collect their child from school and to keep them home until they are no longer symptomatic.

The Department of Health recommends that a person who tests positive to COVID-19 report that result to their employer, school and household.

Where a student is identified as a positive case, the following steps should be taken:

1. Parents/carers should complete the Student COVID-19 COVID Test Portal if a student tests positive to COVID-19 (via a PCR or rapid antigen test). 
2. Students who report a positive result are recommended to isolate for a minimum of 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms have resolved. Students who isolate as a result of a positive COVID-19 test will be supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury, with learning materials provided to support their continued learning.