Keeping schools open so they may provide face-to-face learning to students is very important. The following guidelines have been developed for schools.
TESTING POSITIVE TO COVID-19
- Staff and students should stay home until symptoms have resolved. The infectious period for COVID-19 varies. A minimum of 5 days is a useful guide, but it can be 10 days or longer.
- Register a positive RAT test through the Department of Health website.
- If you must leave the house, wear a mask when indoors and on public transport.
- Avoid large gatherings and indoor crowded places.
COVID-19 positive cases and close contacts cannot visit public hospitals for 7 days. Other rules may apply to high-risk settings including private hospitals, aged care and disability care facilities. Each facility can determine their own isolation requirements and these must be adhered to.
CLOSE CONTACTS
- A close contact is a household or household-like contact, or intimate partner of a person with COVID-19 who has had contact with them during their infectious period.
- Isolation for close contacts is no longer mandated, but staff and students who are close contacts are encouraged to test for COVID-19 daily for 5 days and only attend school following a negative RAT result.
- Close contacts may chose to wear a mask.
STUDENTS ON WORK PLACEMENTS
- Students on work placements must adhere to all requirements of the specific workplace which may include vaccination, isolation and mask-wearing requirements.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
- Everyone has a responsibility to protect themselves and others. This is achieved by following good hygiene principles and practices including:
- Staff and students staying home when unwell.
- Mouth and nose being covered when coughing and sneezing, using a flexed elbow or tissue and disposing of tissues appropriately.
- Washing hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, including prior to meal breaks.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping Port School COVID-19 safe.
