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 9,316 COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria this week, an increase of 24 per cent on the previous week. The average daily number of new cases this week was 1,331, up from 1,085 last week.

The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals is 327, an increase of 6 per cent from last week. There are currently 374 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals. There are currently 16 COVID patients in intensive care. There are 2 cleared cases in ICU. There are 2 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, 2,565 COVID patients were hospitalised in Victoria.

Of Victorians aged 18 and over, 17 per cent have recorded a vaccination or COVID diagnosis in the past six months. This means 4.3 million Victorians are eligible for a 2023 booster dose.

Of Victorians aged 65 and over, 38 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 28 COVID-related deaths were reported to the department in the past week. An average of 4 deaths were reported each day in the past week. This represents a 32 per cent increase when compared to the same period the previous month.

The total number of reported COVID-related deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began is 7,720.

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

Look after your health and check if you're eligible for treatment
Isolate and tell your contacts (for at least 5 days or until you don't have symptoms)
Report your result (online or call 1800 675 398).
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:

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:

Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you and others from the virus
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.
Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can, it reduces the spread of the virus
Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test
Stay at home: if you have COVID, you should stay at home for at least five days and until you have no symptoms
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.

Online Resources

Locations of respiratory assessment clinics and testing sites are available online and through an interactive map.
Protecting our healthcare workers sets out the very latest in our understanding of COVID-19 and how it can spread within healthcare settings – both hospitals and aged-care facilities.
Visit Infection Prevention and Control resource hub for updated guidelines.
Financial support – for COVID-19
Translated resources in over 50 languages
Checklist for COVID-19 cases

OSHC News

From the TheirCare Team