Extension of COVIDSafe measures for Term 1

These measures will now be in place for the remainder of Term 1

The Victorian Government has today announced a 6-week extension of the COVIDSafe measures for schools.

These measures were introduced for 4 weeks at the beginning of Term 1 and will now be in place for the remainder of Term 1, subject to any changes in health advice.

In summary, there will continue to be a focus on the “3Vs” of ventilation, vaccination and vital COVIDSafe steps.

The use of rapid antigen tests (RATs) as a screening tool will also continue, supported by the distribution of an additional 24 million free RATs to schools and early childhood settings over the remainder of this term. This is in addition to the 15.6 million RATs rolled out during the first 4 weeks of Term 1, and means more than 39 million RATs in total will be delivered to schools and early childhood settings throughout Term 1.

RATs have proved an important COVIDSafe tool to help reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and ensure our schools are as safe as possible. Their use will remain voluntary for staff and students but are strongly encouraged.

Department of Health modelling indicates that in the first 2 weeks of school returning, the program has already prevented more than 21,000 cases in schools alone.

Their modelling indicates, assuming a 75 per cent compliance rate with screening of students, that by continuing RAT screening in schools for the full 10 weeks of Term 1, we will prevent:

• 61,000 COVID-19 infections in children aged 5 to 17
• more than 150,000 COVID-19 infections in the overall community (on average 15,000 per week over 10 weeks, or more than 2,100 per day)
• around 400 hospital admissions.

We will continue to monitor the RAT screening in schools program.

Vaccination for students

Vaccination remains the best way to protect students and staff in school settings, and your ongoing support in encouraging all students to get fully vaccinated is critical.

Victorians aged over 5 years are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends a third dose for everyone aged 16 years and over. Students aged 16 to 17 years who had their second vaccination 3 or more months ago are now due for their third dose.

Vaccinations are available at state vaccination centres, participating GP clinics, pharmacies or community health services. In addition, schools provide a trusted place among the community to access vaccination, particularly for families who may experience language or social barriers.

Following successful implementation of school pop-up clinics at the commencement of Term 1, more than 230 schools across Victoria are currently hosting mini-vaccination clinics led by GPs and pharmacists. Many of these clinics will also make vaccinations available the broader school community, inclusive of families of students and school staff.

Information to help you talk to your community about vaccination is available at COVID-19 Vaccine Resources.

Ventilation

Improving ventilation is one of the most effective measures to keep education settings safe. Up to an additional 60,000 air purifiers will be distributed to schools ahead of winter to supplement natural and mechanical ventilation during the cooler months.

This allocation will provide enough purifiers to cover all classrooms in government schools based on current enrolments.

Yours sincerely
David Howes
Deputy Secretary
Schools and Regional Services