A Message from the Health Centre
Our families are no doubt aware that cases of Covid-19 are currently escalating rapidly within our city. At school, we are maintaining cohorting for play times, utilising our air ventilation systems and encouraging as much outdoor activity as the weather permits.
It is still a mandatory requirement that the school needs to be notified of positive cases occurring amongst our school families.
If a child is a close contact of someone who has contracted Covid-19, they may attend school, but a mask MUST be worn for at least 7 days while closely monitoring for symptoms for 14 days. If symptoms develop in the close contact, the student should isolate at home and advise others with whom they have been in close contact. A negative PCR or RAT test is not a reason to ignore the need to isolate until symptoms have resolved, due to the higher incidence of false negatives in the early stages of infection. Further details can be found by opening this link: NSW Health household and close contact guidelines | NSW Government
Below is a summary of recommendations and advice to decrease the risk of transmission of airborne respiratory viruses, including Covid-19.
- Common symptoms of the current Omicron variant of Covid-19 include a sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, cough, headache, hoarse voice, fatigue, aches and pains.
- Vaccine and natural immunity are no protection for reinfection with the latest variant.
- Other viruses around currently include: influenza, RSV, adenovirus, rhinovirus and metapneumovirus. These are also causing a high number of respiratory illnesses in adults and children.
- We encourage everyone to socially distance where possible or wear a mask.
- Mask use is strongly recommended in all crowded indoor places, including schools, and continues to be mandated on public transport.
- If displaying any symptoms, to reduce further transmission to others, it is recommended to remain at home until well. A box of 5 RATs was sent home with each student early this week.