Sacred Heart Primary School Newsletter

COVID 19 Latest & Health Updates

Sacred Heart Primary School has a COVID Safe plan that is informed by the latest information available via the Victorian Department of Health & Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools.

 

A summary of key points are detailed below. The latest information was updated on 13th February 2023. For further information, please contact the school on 9391 6262.

COVIDSafe measures have changed but all Victorian Catholic schools are required to continue to implement important practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Schools must continue to take the important steps of ensuring air purifiers are in use, external ventilation is maximised, good personal hygiene is encouraged and face masks continue to be made available for staff, students and visitors who wish to wear them. 

Vaccination

Staff and students are strongly recommended to ensure they keep up-to-date with all recommended and available COVID-19 vaccinations as vaccinations are the best way to protect individuals, families and school communities from the severe effects of COVID-19 and reduce the spread of the virus. Vaccination is no longer mandatory for staff or visitors in any Victorian school, including specialist schools.

Rapid Antigen Testing

It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff:

  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild
  • If you are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19
  • If you are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19. 

The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians should report their positive RAT result to the Department of Health online, or by calling 1800 675 398. Students (or their parents) should also report a positive result to their school. 

 

Rapid Antigen Test are available for all Victorians from Council sites.  

Facemasks

Current advice from the Victorian government is available at Face masks. Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask should be supported to do so, and schools should continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors. 

 

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. 

Infection Prevention and Control

All staff, students and visitors to schools should practise good hand hygiene, particularly on arrival to school, before and after eating, after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet. Staff should direct or supervise young students where required. 

 

Management of confirmed cases of COVID19

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 or staff member is identified as a positive case, the following steps should be taken: 

 

  • Parents/carers should inform the school by phone or written notification if a student tests positive to COVID-19 (via a PCR or rapid antigen test). 
  • 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. 
  • There is no longer a requirement for principals to inform the school community of a positive case associated with the school.