Rapid Antigen Testing

(As per the School Operations Guide 13 October)

It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff when symptomatic.

The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians should report their RAT result to the Department of Health online, or by calling 1800 675 398.

Students (or their parents) should also report a positive result to their school, either through the COVID Test portal or by phone or written notification.

The school has a small supply of Rapid Antigen Tests. Please contact the office to arrange collection if you require one.

Face Masks in Schools

Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask should be supported to do so, and schools should continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors.

The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home.

Management of suspected cases of COVID-19

A ‘suspected’ case means a person who displays any COVID-19 symptoms who has not yet tested positive for COVID-19.

The staff member, student or visitor who is symptomatic should be recommended to undergo testing for COVID-19. Parents of students who are symptomatic should be asked to collect their child from school and to keep them home until they are no longer symptomatic.

There is no longer a requirement for principals to inform the school community of a positive case associated with the school.

What to do if you test positive

Students who report a positive result are recommended to isolate for a minimum of 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms have resolved. Students who isolate as a result of a positive COVID-19 test should be supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury, with learning materials provided to support their continued learning.

A COVID positive result must be reported to:

the school by phone, written communication or the RA Test Portal; this is so the school can support them, record that they will be absent while absent, and let the rest of the school community know there has been a positive case onsite and that they should monitor for symptoms
the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398.

Information about how to do a test and how to read RAT results, including a how-to video translated into 33 languages, is available online.

Vaccinations

Thank you to all families who have had their child vaccinated. Vaccination is highly encouraged and continues to remain the best way to protect students and staff in our school.

Getting vaccinated is easy and bookings can be done via the coronavirus website. If you have any questions about the vaccines, please speak to your GP or a health practitioner.

Vaccinations for Visitors

Parents, carers and other adult visitors are no longer required to show evidence of 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine if not performing work or volunteering at the school. Information about vaccination requirements for volunteers is available at COVID-19 Vaccinations - Visitors and Volunteers on School Sites.

Symptoms

The best tool we still have to manage the spread of Covid remains isolating when we have symptoms related this disease.

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/symptoms-and-risks#what-are-the-symptoms-of-covid-19

The symptoms to watch out for are:

fever
chills or sweats
cough
sore throat
shortness of breath
runny nose
loss or change in sense of smell or taste.

Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Please, do not send your child to school if they display these symptoms.

Important Links

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria

Managing COVID at home

Your COVID Checklist | Coronavirus Victoria

Reporting a Positive Rapid Antigen Test

Financial and other support for COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria

Coronavirus Hotline - 1800 675 398

Ballan Primary School

Issue 18 · 18 Nov 2022

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