Epsom Primary School Monthly Newsletter

Covid Information

What you need to know

COVID Information

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 (RAT) on school days. Students who have recovered from COVID-19 do not need to participate in screening testing for 12 weeks 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 RAT result and has symptoms and/or has been in contact with someone with COVID-19, it is very likely that your child has COVID-19.

  • You must advise the school and the Department of Health about the positive result
  • Your child must stay home for 7 days, and then only leave home once they feel well

Household contacts

Students who are household contacts of a COVID-19 case are not required to quarantine. It is required that that household contacts undertake daily rapid antigen testing five times within the 7 days of exposure.  Students from Grade 3 and above who are household contacts are required to wear face masks when indoors at school. This does not apply to students who have a valid exemption. If your child returns a positive RAT result during this period, they must stay home for 7 days, and then only leave home once they feel well. 

 

Note: If your child tests positive with a RAT but does not have symptoms and you don’t believe they have been in contact with anyone with COVID-19, it is recommended getting a PCR test within the first 48 hours of testing positive and stay isolated at all times until they receive their result. If your child’s subsequent PCR test is negative, they will be able to leave isolation and return to school. If the PCR test result is positive, they must follow the steps above.

 

Reporting your child’s positive test

If your child tests positive to COVID-19 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. 

Financial support available to people affected by COVID-19:

For more information, visit: Financial and other support for COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria

If you need a payment during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Getting help during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Services Australia 

 

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: 54484318

Email: epsom.ps@education.vic.gov.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