Jackson School Newsletter

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19

 

There is an increase in COVID-19 in our community. We still have some free rapid antigen tests, these are available at the school for those who need them. Parents and carers will be contacted if their child shows symptoms while at school. Students who wish to wear a mask should continue to do so.

 

Chief Health Officer Update

 

There were 10,642 COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria this week, an increase of 15 per cent on the previous week. The average daily number of new cases this week was 1,520, up from 1,325 last week.

 

The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals is 415, an increase of 23 per cent from last week. There are currently 431 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals. There are currently 15 COVID patients in intensive care. There are 3 cleared cases in ICU. There are 3 COVID patients on a ventilator. The seven-day rolling average of patients in intensive care in Victorian hospitals is 17. In the past three months, 2,860 COVID patients were hospitalised in Victoria.

 

Of Victorians aged 18 and over, 18 per cent have recorded a vaccination or COVID diagnosis in the past six months. This means 4.2 million Victorians are eligible for a 2023 booster dose.

 

Of Victorians aged 65 and over, 39 per cent have recorded a vaccination or COVID diagnosis in the past six months. Of Victorians aged 50 to 64, 19 per cent have recorded a vaccination or COVID diagnosis in the past six months. 

 

A total of 63 COVID-related deaths were reported to the department in the past week. This represents an almost 18 per cent decrease when compared to the same period the previous month. An average of 9 deaths were reported each day in the past week. 

The total number of report

 

Free Rapid Antigen Tests

 

All Victorians are eligible to pick up two free packets of RATs through their local council. The council RAT distribution program is currently operating across more than 200 local sites, such as libraries and council customer service centres. The program is now open to all Victorians with all eligibility requirements now removed. Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit while people with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.

 

Stay Home If You're Unwell

 

The Department of Health strongly recommends that students and  staff stay home if you're unwell and reduce the spread of the virus. Click Here for the Department of Health's checklist on what to do if you test positive to COVID-19 or if you've been told you are a contact: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-cases 

  1. Look after your health and check if you're eligible for treatment
  2. Isolate and tell your contacts (for at least 5 days or until you don't have symptoms)
  3. Report your result (online or call 1800 675 398).
  4. Ending isolation and recovering (if not symptomatic)

Parents and carers are recommended to continue to report their child having COVID-19 to both the school and the Department of Health. We ask parents and carers to continue to remain vigilant in preventing COVID-19 transmission. Any student who is unwell should continue to remain at home. This is about keeping students healthy and well in our school and reducing the spread of both COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.

 

After doing the tests at home, if it is positive, you will need to:

  1. let the school know on the via the Student Absent Hotline 03 9366 4322; Option 1 Please note we will only be able to respond to messages and calls within office hours.
  2. keep your child at home for at least 5 days and until there are no more symptoms
  3. contact the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398.

From February 20, all Victorians who have not had a COVID vaccination or confirmed infection in the past six months will be eligible for a booster. This is irrespective of how many prior doses a person has received.

 

For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster is recommended for:

  • All adults aged 65 years and over
  • Adults 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs

For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster should be considered for: 

  • Adults 18-64 with no risk factors for severe COVID
  • Children and adolescents aged 5-17 who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs 

ATAGI’s full advice and recommendations can be found online. Victorians are encouraged to book a free booster appointment through their local GP or pharmacy. You can find your nearest vaccination provider through the Vaccine Clinic Finder.

 

Steps to protect yourself and others

 

Protecting yourself is the best way to protect yourself and the community. If you don’t get COVID, you can’t spread COVID.

 

These six steps can help you stay ahead of COVID this summer:

  1. Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you and others from the virus
  2. Get your booster dose: new bivalent vaccines targeting Omicron variants are available at your GP or local pharmacy. To find out if you’re eligible for your next booster, visit the Coronavirus website.
  3. Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can, it reduces the spread of the virus
  4. Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test
  5. Stay at home: if you have COVID, you should stay at home for at least five days and until you have no symptoms
  6. Talk to your doctor: if you are at risk of falling very sick, you may be eligible for COVID medicines

COVID-19 Testing Criteria

 

Practitioners should test any patients who meet the clinical criteria below:

  • Fever OR chills in the absence of an alternative diagnosis that explains the clinical presentation* OR
  • Acute respiratory infection (e.g., cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, or loss or changes in sense of smell or taste)
  • Note: testing is also recommended for people with new onset of other clinical symptoms consistent with COVID-19** AND who are from the following cohorts: close contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19; those who have returned from overseas in the past 14 days; or those who are healthcare or aged care workers. Testing is recommended for those cohorts with onset of other clinical symptoms**. *Clinical discretion applies including consideration of the potential for co-infection (e.g., concurrent infection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza) **headache, myalgia, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.

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