Coronavirus Update – Mar 11

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Dear Parents and Guardians

As you are aware Oakleigh Grammar continues to monitor the rapidly evolving global outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  To ensure the safety of our students and the wider community, a key aspect of our action plan is preventing the transmission of COVID-19 through the management of returning travellers.

In my letter dated 3 March I highlighted travel destinations that the School is monitoring and now wish to include Indonesia whose, poor management of the issue is less than satisfactory, particularly in Bali.

The countries now being monitored are: China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong,

Singapore, Malaysia, Macau, Iran, Italy, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia

Oakleigh Grammar is following the guidance of the Australian Government in relation to travel restrictions and self-quarantine.  We refer members of our School community to the Department of Health website linked below for additional information.  As the situation changes regularly and rapidly, we encourage regular reference to the website for up-to-date information.  https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert#travellers-and-visitors

In accordance with the Department of Health advice, we ask that any student or staff member who has returned from a high-risk country, or who is in direct contact with someone who has returned from such a location, administer a self-quarantine period from School for 14 days from the date of return or last contact.

We are aware that additional risk of transmission may exist in developing countries where access to health care is limited and the true nature of the outbreak may be unknown.  Similarly, we are monitoring information relating to global transport hubs such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where there may be exposure to travellers from diverse locations.

The safety of our students and community is paramount.  We, therefore, encourage families and staff, to reconsider the need for international travel to at-risk locations.  This is of particular importance for those who are planning travel during the upcoming Term 1 school holidays.

We also remind our community of the importance of maintaining good hygiene practice. This includes:

  • Washing hands often with soap and water
  • Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing
  • Avoiding close contact with others including touching

If you or your child becomes unwell or displays any symptoms of the common cold, please keep these students isolated at home and seek medical advice.  You should make sure you call healthcare professionals in advance of attending any practice or hospital.  Staff and students are not permitted to attend school whilst any of these symptoms are evident.  In the event that any staff or student displays symptoms, they will be sent home immediately.

In addition, we have increased our frequency of cleaning at the School, including door handles, hand-rails and high-frequency public spaces.

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed.  We appreciate your ongoing cooperation and understanding of all the efforts Oakleigh Grammar is undertaking to keep our community as safe as possible.

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Mark Robertson

Principal

B Ed, M Ed St, AMACEL, MACE, AFAIM, MAICD

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