FPS Newsletter

Latest COVID Rules

Wearing Masks | COVID Testing & Quarantine | RAT Kits

Wearing Face Masks at School

Here is the latest Department of Health recommendation regarding wearing face masks at school.

 

It is strongly recommended by the Victorian Department of Health that face masks are worn in indoor settings, with face masks mandatory for those aged 8 and over who are household contacts and attending school. This is because the wearing of masks is effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19.

 

What does this mean in practice for schools?

It is the department’s expectation that, through to the end of winter, students aged 8 and over and staff will wear masks when in class, except where removing a mask is necessary for clear communication or when a particular activity requires the removal of a mask.

 

Masks are not required to be worn outdoors but can be worn when physical distancing is not possible. This expectation should not constrain student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances.

 

We understand that parents and carers play an important role in supporting this expectation and we seek your support in this collective effort.

 

Wearing masks is a simple step we can all take this winter to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and ensure our schools are as safe as possible.

 

See the attached letter for the latest on mask advice for all Victorian schools.

COVID Testing – Changes to Testing & Quarantine Duration

Please be advised that the period when someone is considered a recently confirmed case (and therefore exempt from testing and isolation/quarantine requirements) has been revised to four weeks, down from 12 weeks.

 

What does this mean?

  • If you have recovered from COVID-19, you are not required to get tested or isolate/quarantine if you are re-exposed to a case within 4 weeks of ending your isolation period.
  • During these 4 weeks, if you get new symptoms, it is recommended that you stay at home until your symptoms resolve. If you are at a high risk of severe illness, get tested.
  • After 4 weeks, you must follow the relevant advice, depending on the type of contact you are.

 

Positive cases are still required to isolate for seven days from the day they took their test.

 

After the 4-week exemption period, students and staff members who are a household contact of a new COVID-19 case, must follow the rules for household contacts:

  • Take 5 rapid antigen tests (RATs) over 7 days and receive negative test results.
  • Wear a face mask (if over 8 years old) in indoor spaces.
  • Report the positive case to the Department of Health
  • Report the positive case to FPS by phone/email.

RAT Kits – Available for Rest of 2022

The Department of Education has announced that they will continue to supply RAT kits for the rest of the year. Please come and collect your next round of RAT kits from the main school office. RATs are to be taken by students who:

  • Have COVID symptoms.
  • Are household contacts. 5 negative RATS over a 7-day period are needed for students to attend school.

 Close Contact – What are the Rules?

  • Students who are household contact of a COVID-19 case may go to school as long as they undertake rapid antigen tests (RAT) 5 times during their 7-day period.
  • Families are to notify the school if their child is a household contact.
  • Students aged 8 years and above are required to wear face masks when indoors at school unless they have a valid exemption.

 

Change to testing period

  • Students who have recovered from COVID-19 do not need to participate in surveillance testing for 4 weeks after their isolation period has ended.

 Positive Test? What Next?