19-Nov-2021
Dear Families
As promised, some information regarding school procedures if we are impacted by a positive/confirmed case.
The most important change, is that non-household contacts will now only be required to quarantine until they complete a standard PCR test and receive a negative result. The Department of Health will no longer send a text to confirm the quarantine requirements of contacts.
This applies to all students and staff who are identified as a school-based contact (formerly primary close contacts or PCCs) and listed on the web-based form you submit following notification of a confirmed case at your school.
All contacts (staff and students) can return to school after they have provided evidence of a negative standard PCR to their school.
All contacts should follow the strong recommendation that they complete five days of rapid antigen testing each morning before attending school.
Contacts will receive a pack of 5 tests from the PCR testing location and should take the test each day before school until they run out. Schools will no longer distribute rapid antigen testing kits. Instead, these will be available for collection from standard PCR testing centers at the time a student or staff member attends for the standard PCR test.
Any student who returns a positive rapid antigen test result must notify the school and immediately get a standard PCR test.
In exceptional circumstances the Department of Health may determine that contacts in significant school outbreaks are still required to quarantine for 7 days. In this scenario, students will be notified directly of any additional quarantine arrangements.
Other changes include:
- Confirmed cases will now complete 10 days of isolation instead of 14.
- Vaccinated household close contacts will complete 7 days rather than 14 days of quarantine. This includes unvaccinated children under 12 years, if all members of their household over 12 years are vaccinated. Other unvaccinated household contacts will be required to complete 14 days of quarantine.
The attached note comes directly from the Department of Education.
Take care and stay safe
James Whitla