COVID-19 Update

Good morning parents and caregivers, 

The weekend cases

I am sure that you are up to date with the latest news regarding COVID-19 and south Australia. There are two new cases in south Australia as of yesterday. With the way the disease has spread in Victoria, and to a lesser extent in NSW, we would expect to see some level of new infections in South Australia. Health authorities currently have the situation well in hand. There is also work, that we as a school, can do to look after ourselves as best as possible.

You would be aware that both of South Australia’s new cases have affected schools. One case is where a student returned from Victoria. They had contracted COVID-19 whilst in Victoria and the disease had run its course, such that by the time they came into South Australia, they were non-contagious. They are in quarantine. 

The second case is of more concern. It is being managed by health authorities in the context of the South Australian management plan, which, to this point has been very effective. In the second case, an adult student in her 20’s at Thebarton Senior College and attended the College whilst infectious. She also attended an after-hours event at Roma Mitchell Secondary College whilst infectious. Both schools are closed for deep cleaning and close contacts are being tested and quarantined. The woman was a close contact of a known case in South Australia.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-02/south-australia-records-two-new-cases-of-coronavirus/12516404

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-03/students-in-self-isolation-following-sa-school-case/12517514

Close contacts vs secondary contacts

• The following definition of close contact is provided by SA Health on their FAQ page:
• What is a close contact?
• A close contact is generally defined as someone who has been face to face for at least 15 minutes, or been in the same closed space for at least 2 hours, as someone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 when that person was infectious.
• Close contacts are advised by public health officials of the need to self-isolate.

https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/infectious+diseases/covid+2019/community/covid-19+frequently+asked+questions#Whatisaclosecontact

From time to time we become aware of secondary or even tertiary contacts such as:

I was in contact with someone who attends Roma Mitchell

Or
I share a flat with someone who works at one of the schools

Or
My partner ate at the restaurant where the infected person ate

All such scenarios are not close contacts. They are, at best, contacts of contacts. If they are considered close contacts, SA Health contact tracers will be in touch and require isolation. Secondary or tertiary contacts do not need to isolate.

Follow all established procedures

It is of vital importance that we follow established procedures:

• Sanitise as you enter a new space
• Sanitise before eating
• Avoid touching your face
• Maintain Social distancing (even with staff)
• If you are unwell, with cold or flu symptoms, do not come to school, get tested and inform the home group teacher or Front Office
• Unwell students will be assessed and sent home