Executive Director’s Update to Principals #83: COVID Update - 16 Sep 2021

God of believers, God of deniers, God of those who don’t know: faith assumes uncertainty.
The truth is hardly ever simple; the path ahead rarely clear.
We turn to you in part because we know not where to go.
Yet faith assumes assurance.
Faith remains, with hope and love, when all else fades away.
As we step forth with you today,
grant us faith to trust ourselves,
and let us believe in the good you provide
that is well beyond our knowing. 
Amen.

~ Corrymeela Community 

Today’s Victorian Press Conference

In today’s Victorian Press Conference, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that there will be a modest easing of restrictions for Melbourne and the City of Ballarat LGA from 11.59 tomorrow night, Friday 17 September. Changes include outdoor social interaction, exercise time, travel limits, personal training and entertainment venues. Note that some restrictions vary depending on vaccination status. Further details are in the updated Table of Restrictions and the Premier’s media release.

Some minor easings of restrictions were also announced for regional Victoria (except for the City of Ballarat). Further details are also in the updated Table of Restrictions and the Premier’s media release.

Regarding the Ballarat lockdown, the following updates were provided:

• 3 new cases have been reported in Ballarat, including 1 unlinked case who has been infectious  in the community since last Tuesday. This brings the total number of active cases in Ballarat to 6, with more cases expected in the coming days.
• Ballarat residents are urged to monitor exposure sites as more will be added over the coming hours and days.
• 10,000 additional doses of pfizer will be provided to Ballarat, as well as additional vaccination appointments and extended opening hours.
• Additional testing sites are being set up.

It was also announced that vaccinations will become mandatory for construction workers from 23 September, and construction workers will no longer be able to travel between Melbourne and regional Victoria due to the heightened risk of spreading the virus.  

Watch today’s Victorian Press Conference.

First Aid Officers – Providing First Aid During COVID-19

As trained First Aid Officers will be aware, there is a need to minimise the risks and dangers to themselves, and others, before providing assistance to a potentially injured/ill person. With the emergence of COVID-19, there is a reinforced need to protect against the risks of infection from all contagious infectious disease, not just COVID-19. See further details about First Aid during COVID.

Mental Health Resources

The following mental health resources are available to schools to help support students, staff and families: 

• The HIVE – Wellbeing@Home
• The HIVE – Remote Learning TV
• The HIVE – Wellbeing 
• Wellbeing Activities Workbook for Parents and Students
• The Corinthian Project
• Resources provided by the Department of Education

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