Jackson School Newsletter

COVID-19 & Flu News

COVID-19 Weekly Data

 

There are still lots of cases within our community. Our school will continue to adhere to the Department of Health’s recommendations to ensure that our school remains a safe environment for our staff and students.

 

The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals is 137, a decrease of 11 per cent from last week. There are currently 142 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals. There are currently 8 COVID patients in intensive care. There are 2 cleared cases in ICU. There are 4 COVID patients on a ventilator. The seven-day rolling average of patients in intensive care in Victorian hospitals is 8. In the past week, 543 positive PCR tests were reported to the Department. The recommendation to report positive RATs was removed on 30 June. The total number of reported COVID-related deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began is 8,189.

 

Steps to protect yourself and others

 

The Department of Health strongly recommends that students and school 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 

 

Protecting yourself from getting infected 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:

  1. Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you and others from the virus.
  2. Get your 2023 booster: 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. Flu vaccines are also now available.
  3. Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can – it reduces the spread of the virus.
  4. Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test.
  5. Stay at home: if you have COVID, you should stay at home for at least five days and until you have no symptoms.
  6. Talk to your doctor: if you are at risk of falling very sick, you may be eligible for COVID and influenza medicines – and early testing and diagnosis are important. With expanded criteria, more people are now eligible for COVID medicines.

We still have some rapid antigen tests are available at the school for those who need them. Staff who wish to wear a mask should continue to do so. These are also available through local councils.

 

As of 10 July 2023 schools are no longer required to record student cases of COVID-19 reported by parents or carers in the School COVID-19 Case Management Tool. This change is consistent with changes Department of Health made on 1 July 2023, removing the option for the community to self-report their rapid antigen test (RAT) results. The department’s policy, guidance and advice has been updated to reflect these changed requirements. The information on PAL replaces the document titled COVID-19 Advice for Victorian Government Schools (previously known as the School Operations Guide).

 

2023 Boosters

 

Eligible Victorians who have not had a COVID vaccination or confirmed infection in the past six months can now receive their 2023 booster. This is irrespective of how many prior doses a person has received. Vaccination continues to provide the best protection against becoming severely unwell or dying from COVID.

 

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.

Victorians are encouraged to book a free booster appointment through their local GP or pharmacy. You can find your nearest vaccination provider through the Health Direct Service Finder.

 

For current Department of Education policy guidance please visit: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/covid-19-school-operations/advice 

Flu Vaccination for Children and Adolecents

  • Influenza (flu) activity is continuing across Victoria, with almost half of cases occurring in children and adolescents under the age of 15 years.
  • Influenza A cases in Victoria are likely peaking, but influenza B cases which are more common in young children, are increasing.
  • Flu rates may increase, especially in children with return to school after the holidays.
  • In most children, flu causes mild to moderate illness with symptoms such as fever and cough.
  • Some children can develop severe illness, particularly babies and children with underlying medical conditions. Flu can increase the risk of rare invasive bacterial infections such as Group A streptococcal disease and meningococcal disease, so influenza vaccination can also help reduce this risk.
  • Vaccination is key to protecting children from severe flu and is recommended yearly for everyone aged 6 months and over.
  • It is never too late to vaccinate since the flu can circulate in the community all year round.

Read the full advisory: Flu vaccination for children and adolescents