COVID Safety

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) have released an updated COVID School Operations Guide in light of recent changes made by the Victorian and Federal Governments. Please note the following changes.

 

Isolation period for COVID positive cases

Any student or staff member who tests positive to COVID-19 must isolate for a minimum of 5 instead of 7 days. If they are asymptomatic, they may return to school on day 6. If they are symptomatic, they must remain in isolation until day 7. If they have symptoms after 7 days, they are strongly advised to stay home until their symptoms have resolved.

As an additional risk mitigation, the Department of Health strongly recommends that you wear a face mask away from home indoors and outdoors when you cannot physically distance. If you are leaving isolation on day 6, wear a mask for 5 days but particularly the first 2 days. If you are leaving isolation on day 7, wear a mask for 4 days but particularly first 2 days.

Please continue to notify the school via email ( principal@olacheltenham.catholic.edu.au ) if your child tests positive or is a household contact.

 

Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs)

Consider taking Rapid Antigen Tests before attending a workplace, including schools, sensitive settings or visiting people at higher risk of severe illness. If you are positive, stay home.

At OLA, we will not send home regular RAT tests with all students in Term 4, however, families are invited to come and collect boxes of RATs from the front office if you need to restock your supply. The advice is for schools to distribute RATs for use by staff and students who are symptomatic or who are household contacts.

 

Face Masks

It is recommended by the Department of Health that face masks are worn in indoor settings or outside where physical distancing is not possible.

Household contacts attending school who are over 8 years of age are required to wear face masks indoors unless they have a valid exception.