Staff or students with COVID-19 symptoms The Department has comprehensive procedures in place with the Department of Health to manage suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in schools. If a member of school staff or a child has symptoms matching those of COVID-19 they will be asked to go home and get tested, and to self isolate while awaiting the outcome of that test. For students with COVID-19 symptoms, a parent or carer will be contacted and asked to collect the student as soon as possible. Symptoms include:
fever
chills or sweats
cough
sore throat
shortness of breath
runny nose
loss or change in sense of smell or taste
Sometimes a headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be considered a symptom.
Management of Covid-19 in School It is recommended that staff members, students or visitors who have symptoms of cold, influenza or COVID-19 do not attend school, or go home as soon as possible after becoming unwell at school. Parents of symptomatic students should be asked to collect their child from school and keep them home until they are no longer symptomatic.
The Department of Health recommends that staff and students who test positive for COVID-19 isolate for a minimum of 5 days and do not attend school until their symptoms resolve. If well enough, students should be supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury, with learning material provided to support their continued learning.
NURSE-ON-CALL phone line A dedicated nurse advice phone line that can assist with COVID-19 health enquiries is available for the general public. Phone: 1300 60 60 24 Hours: 24 hours 7 days a week