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.  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. 

Reminder about processes for close contacts of COVID and confirmed cases

Just a reminder of the following processes for close contacts and confirmed cases of COVID. 

Confirmed COVID Case

It is an Australian public health requirement that anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 must isolate. If you have the virus, you can pass it on to others. Isolating protects the people around you and the broader community from COVID-19.

Isolation means:

  • staying at home – do not attend work or school, visit public areas, or travel on public transport, in taxis or ride-share services. If you have an appointment you cannot miss – such as a visit to a doctor, family violence service or police – you must tell them that you have COVID-19.

Close contacts/Household contacts

  • You are a household contact if you have spent more than four hours with someone who has COVID-19 inside a house, accommodation or care facility.
  • Your household contact period is 7 days.
  • You don't have to quarantine at all during this 7-day period, and you can leave home each day provided you:
    • Continually test negative using a rapid antigen test, on at least 5 days out of the 7 day period (ensure tests are spaced at least 24 hours apart)
    • wear a mask indoors when outside your home
    • do not visit hospitals or care facilities
    • notify your employer or education facility.
  • If you do not follow these steps, you must quarantine for the 7-day period – and you are required to get tested on Day 1 and Day 6.
  • If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, you must report your result and isolate for 7 days. Visit Reporting your result page for more information.
  • Household contacts are also referred to as close contacts.

I need to reinforce that our school needs to be informed if there is a confirmed case of COVID in your household and your child MUST wear a mask indoors at all times and as they travel to and from school if on a bus. A negative result on a RAT must occur each morning before attending school. To ensure we can keep as much consistency as possible in our educational program, we need staff well and here onsite teaching our young people. Please be conscious of this and assist in reducing the spread of COVID in our community. Today there were 8785 new reported COVID cases in Victoria. We know it is out there so please help to reduce the spread. In addition to this, if your child is unwell with a cold/flu, please keep them home until they are symptom free. 

Thank you for doing your part in making sure our community can stay as well as possible through this time.  We have an abundance of RAT Tests that can be collected if you need more supplies.

 Please contact the office if you would like some sent home with your child or if you would like to collect some.

 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

 

Ms Jennifer Roep
Ms Jennifer Roep

Thank you again for your support for these important measures.

Ms Jennifer Roep

Principal