Executive Director’s Update to Principals #35 - 19 July 2022
COVID-19 Update
In this update:
- Face masks
- Opting Out of Term 3 Rapid Antigen Test Kits Delivery
- Reduction of Testing and Isolation Exemption Period
- Term 3 COVID-19 Case Reporting Requirements
Face Masks.
It is strongly recommended by the 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 wearing masks is effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19.
In practice, this means that the Victorian Government is recommending 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 recommendation should not constrain student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances.
We understand that parents and carers will play an important role in supporting this expectation. A short letter is available, signed by each of the three school sectors (Catholic, government and independent), that explains this is a consistent recommendation across all schools in Victoria this winter. Your support is requested to ensure this letter is distributed to parents and carers.
The letter to parents and carers on face masks is available on CEVN via this link.
Schools are not required or expected to sanction students or staff who do not meet this recommendation but are asked to communicate this recommendation to the whole school community and seek their support for this collective effort.
This communication is an endorsement of the current advice in the CECV Schools Operation Guide. It 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.
Opting Out of Term 3 Rapid Antigen Test Kits Delivery.
The Victorian Government is providing three further deliveries of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) in Term 3. These will be delivered on a fortnightly basis and will be the last deliveries of RATs for Term 3. While all schools will receive the first delivery of RATs, we understand that some schools have sufficient stock of RATs and will not require any more beyond the first delivery.
To opt-out of receiving future RAT deliveries, please complete this survey by adding your school’s name and selecting the ‘no’ option. Schools that do not complete the survey will receive RATs in both additional deliveries. If you feel you already have an oversupply of RAT kits, please advise CEB via COVID@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.
Reduction of Testing and Isolation Exemption Period.
The period of time when someone is considered a recently confirmed case and therefore exempt from testing and isolation requirements has been reduced to 4 weeks. Previously, this period was 12 weeks.
This means, staff or students that have recovered from COVID-19, are not required to get tested or isolate/quarantine again if they are re-exposed to a case within 4 weeks of ending the isolation period.
After 4 weeks, the relevant advice must be followed depending on the type of contact.
Additionally, where a student or staff member who is a household contact wishes to attend school (and not isolate for 7 days) they must:
- 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 (for those over 8 years of age)
- notify their employer/school, and
- not visit hospitals or care facilities.
Please ensure your families and communities are aware of this change. The CECV School Operations Guide has now been updated to reflect this change. More information is available via the coronavirus.vic.gov.au webpage. See links here for close contacts and COVID-19 cases.
Term 3 COVID-19 Case Reporting Requirements.
Case reporting obligations for DOBCEL and RIMPJP schools remains the same in Term 3, as per the requirements of the current pandemic orders. Please forward your local case report to COVID@dobcel.catholic.edu.au each Friday for all COVID-19 positive student or staff cases reported to your school for that week.
In line with government and independent schools, DOBCEL provides case data on all schools in the Ballarat Diocese to the Victorian Department of Health. The information derived from the data is used to:
- inform public health policy and pandemic order development
- monitor incidence of COVID-19 transmission within schools
- analyse trends across school regions, local government areas and sectors
- determine the composition of cases among the school community (e.g. students vs staff)
Internally, DOBCEL uses the information to monitor case numbers that impact on school continuity, analyse regional trends and allocate support accordingly. Recognising that this is an additional administrative burden for schools, ongoing participation is greatly appreciated.