Newsletter

Covid-19 Update

Jennifer Roep

Update on mask wearing, testing and isolation to prevent the spread of COVID

Due to the recent announcements by the Victorian government about public health measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, especially influenza, throughout the remainder of the winter season.

Face Masks are 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 our school? 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 will not constrain student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances. I understand that parents and carers play an important role in supporting this expectation so I have attached a letter which outlines how you can support this and how this recommendation is a consistent expectation across all schools in Victoria this winter, signed by the Government, Independent and Catholic education systems in Victoria. 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. 

We have a large supply of masks at the front office to provide to any student that would like one (no cost). Students are encouraged to collect a mask from the front office when they arrive at school and if their mask breaks at any time. There will also be supplies of masks located in year level staff rooms for students to collect. 

Exemptions for testing and isolation

The period of time when someone is considered a recently confirmed case and therefore exempt from testing and isolation requirements has been reduced from the previous 12 weeks to 4 weeks. This means that staff and children who are household contacts of people with COVID-19 are now required to undertake the testing and isolation requirements from 4 weeks after completing isolation with COVID-19. Previously, this exemption period was 12 weeks. After the 4-week exemption period, students and staff members who are a household contact of a new COVID-19 case, must followthe rules for household contacts, including reporting this to their school.  As part of this they must take 5 rapid antigen tests (RATs) over 7 days and receive negative test results and wear a face mask (if over 8 years old) in indoor spaces. 

RATs are available at the front office for any person that requires these. Families and staff will also have to report being a household contact to their school after this 4-week period. 

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 on school days. 

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 result, your child has COVID-19. You must:

  • quarantine your child for seven days
  • advise the school about the positive result
  • Your child must stay home until their symptoms have resolved and they are well
  • Students who are household contacts of a COVID-19 case are not required to quarantine. They may return to school as long as they undertake rapid antigen tests (RAT) 5 times during their 7-day period. They are required to notify the school that they are a household contact.
  • Students aged 8 years and above who are household contacts are required to wear face masks when indoors at school unless they have a valid exemption.

 Reporting your child’s positive test

If your child was at school when they were infectious 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

 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: 5147 1790 Email: covid19support@maffrasc.vic.edu.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

Thank you again for your support for these important measures.

 

Ms Jennifer Roep

Principal