23 October 2020
East Preston Islamic College Update – COVID-19
On the afternoon of 20 October, DHHS informed the college that a person of a close contact to the COVID-19 infection has been on the school premises. It was later discovered that the child was identified as a grade 5 student whom had siblings cleared of COVID-19 the previous week and had only ever tested negative, not had their 11-day test. Prior to the communications from DHHS, the school was not advised that any student had been a close contact person.
DHHS advised the college not to close however, as an extra precaution and not knowing whom, and where the child had been, the college made an executive decision to immediately close the entire K-12 premises that same day.
EPIC has sent out numerous alerts to families and asked staff and students to isolate until we learned the child’s result. We provided DHHS the details of those students & staff who were in the class and adjacent classrooms as requested.
On the morning of 21 October we were informed that the child tested positive and we immediately informed our staff and families that the entire premises will undergo a deep clean. Furthermore, that all should isolate and if any person was showing symptoms to have them tested. We arranged for all classes to learn remotely.
On the 23 October, we further advised the families and all contacts to limit their movements at this time by staying at home, isolating and to getting tested. The college is working closely with DHHS and all relevant authorities during this time.
Contact tracing is underway. If you are identified as a close contact, DHHS will get in touch with you directly. These calls or text messages can come from private or unknown numbers. Please answer these calls if you receive one. If you are a close contact, there are only a few reasons to go out including seeking medical help or in an emergency. DHHS will help you to stay at home if you need support.
A pop up testing site will be open on the school premises this weekend from 10am-5pm with a staggered roster for our parents to attend. The college recommends all students, families, teachers, friends who have had any contact to get tested.
I remind you that we are unable to provide you any information about the person who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) and I ask that that you respect their privacy.
For the latest advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
Thank you again for your ongoing support. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ekrem Ozyurek OAM
Principal
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