Executive Director’s Update to Principals #26: COVID Update - 7 February 2023
Update to COVID-19 settings for Term 1, 2023
Main Points.
COVIDSafe measures have changed however, schools must continue implementing important practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Schools must continue to ensure air purifiers are used, external ventilation is maximised, good personal hygiene is encouraged, and face masks are made available for staff, students and visitors who wish to wear them.
Actions Required
- It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff if they:
- have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild
- are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19
- are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.
- The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians report their positive RAT result via the online form or by calling 1800 675 398.
- Principals are no longer required to inform their school community of a positive case associated with the school.
- Schools are no longer required to report COVID-19 case numbers to DOBCEL.
Additional Information
RATs are available for all Victorians from council sites. Individuals can obtain two free packs (10 tests) for themselves and two free packs (10 tests) for each household member. People with disability and their carers can get up to four free packs (20 tests) in line with existing RAT distribution for people with disability.
Check with your local council on details for where RATs can be collected in your local area.
This information will form a new, concise T1, 2023 School Operations Guide, which will be published on CEVN shortly. Further information can be found on the Coronavirus Victoria website.
For all enquiries, please contact your Education Consultant in the first instance.
Next COVID Update
We would like to acknowledge the outstanding effort you have made as leaders within your schools to ensure that our schools have remained open for face-to-face learning and teaching. Many thanks for all you are doing to keep our schools safe.
We will continue to monitor the situation and advise Principals of any updates. Please liaise with the COVID-19 Support team (see left hand column) or your Education Consultant with any questions or concerns.
Stay safe and continue to look after each other…
Every blessing.