EMC COVID Update
Latest DET advice
Dear Parents and Carers,
I would like to thank our school community for promptly following the DET advice in reporting their child’s positive test result. Regular use of Rapid Antigen Tests has enabled early detection of the virus in our community, and along with hand sanitising, social distancing where possible, mask wearing, and staying home whenever you have symptoms, has enabled the College to remain as COVID safe as possible.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- If your child is not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they can continue to attend school, but you should monitor for symptoms.
- Students who show symptoms of COVID-19 cannot attend school and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result.
- Students should continue with twice-a-week rapid antigen testing on school days.
- Students who have recovered from COVID-19 do not need to participate in surveillance testing for 30 days after their isolation period has ended.
- For information on symptoms visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/symptoms-and-risks.
- For more information on how to get tested visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/taking-test-covid-19.
If your child returns a positive result, your child has COVID-19. You must:
- quarantine your child for seven days
- advise the school about the positive result on covidohs@emc.vic.edu.au or 9788 2600
- Your child must stay home until their symptoms have resolved and they are well
- Everyone in your household is a close contact and must isolate for 7 days.
Reporting your child’s positive test
- If your child was at school when they were infectious you need to report the positive case through the Student COVID-19 Test Portal or you can notify the school in writing or by phone.
- You must also report your child’s positive test to the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398.
Further information for languages other than English
- For school information in languages other than English, call TIS National on 131 450.
- For translated written information about COVID-19, please visit: Translated information about COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria.
- Please ask them to call the DET COVID-19 hotline on 1800 338 663 and they will help interpret.
- For health advice in languages other than English, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/translated-information-about-coronavirus-covid-19
Financial support available to people affected by COVID-19:
For more information, visit:
Financial and other support for COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria
General advice and support
For general advice and support please call the Department of Education and Training COVID-19 hotline on 1800 338 663.
You can also contact the school:
Phone: 9788 2600
Email: covidohs@emc.vic.edu.au
Advice and further resources about what to do if you test positive to COVID-19, or you have been told you are a contact, are at: Your COVID Checklist | Coronavirus Victoria, or call the 24/7 Coronavirus hotline on: 1800 675 398
COVID-19 third dose vaccinations are now available to 16-17-year-olds who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine three or more months ago.
Supporting as many eligible students as we can to be vaccinated will help make our school as safe as possible.
Getting vaccinated is one of the most important steps we can all take to get direct protection against COVID-19.
How to book an appointment:
There are many convenient and accessible options to access vaccinations. These include state-wide vaccination clinics, your local GP or pharmacy.
You can book your appointment in a few different ways, including:
* online: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine
* by phone: 1800 675 398 (Coronavirus Hotline)
* using the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder - COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder | Australian Government Department of Health
* In person: talk to your local pharmacy, doctor, or attend one of the State Vaccination Centres.
https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-children-and-teenagers