Epsom Primary School Monthly Newsletter

Covid Information

What you need to know

COVID Information will be updated when we receive confirmation and information from the Department of Education. 

**If a student tests positive to Covid-19 please call the Office on 5448 4318**

We require a phone call, not just a Compass absence notification.  This is so we can record that they will be absent from school while in isolation, provide support and learning materials as needed, and let the rest of the school community know there has been a positive case onsite and that they should monitor for symptoms.

 

RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING

The Victorian Government is providing further deliveries of rapid antigen tests in Term 4 to schools. 

 

It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff when symptomatic. Household contacts are required to test negative using a rapid antigen test on at least 5 out of 7 days if they are attending or working at a school onsite. 

 

If staff or students receive a positive test result at any time, they must report this through the Department of Health portal or via the coronavirus hotline at 1800 675 398.

 

Any student or staff member who tests positive to COVID-19 must now 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.

 

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

 

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 (RAT) on school days. Students who have recovered from COVID-19 do not need to participate in screening testing for 4 weeks after their isolation period has ended. 

 

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 RAT result and has symptoms and/or has been in contact with someone with COVID-19, it is very likely that your child has COVID-19.

  • You must advise the school and the Department of Health about the positive result
  • Your child must stay home for 7 days, and then only leave home once they feel well

Household contacts

Students who are household contacts of a COVID-19 case are not required to quarantine. It is required that that household contacts undertake daily rapid antigen testing five times within the 7 days of exposure.  Students from Grade 3 and above who are household contacts are required to wear face masks when indoors at school. This does not apply to students who have a valid exemption. If your child returns a positive RAT result during this period, they must stay home for a minimum of 5. 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. 

 

Note: If your child tests positive with a RAT but does not have symptoms and you don’t believe they have been in contact with anyone with COVID-19, it is recommended getting a PCR test within the first 48 hours of testing positive and stay isolated at all times until they receive their result. If your child’s subsequent PCR test is negative, they will be able to leave isolation and return to school. If the PCR test result is positive, they must follow the steps above.

 

Reporting your child’s positive test

If your child tests positive to COVID-19 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

For school information in languages other than English, call TIS National on 131 450. 

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: 54484318

Email: epsom.ps@education.vic.gov.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