LIMESTONE Coast education facilities will adopt a “common sense” approach to address community concern surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the region’s education director.
Large student assemblies, non-essential events and gatherings and extra-curricular activities are being cancelled or limited to reduce any risk to students in the event a case is confirmed in the region.
Limestone Coast education director Adam Box said the region’s schools and childcare centres had been proactive in keeping students safe.
“Our facilities have adapted with common sense and are doing a remarkable job,” Mr Box said.
“At all times, sites seem to be making decisions based on the welfare of their communities and most importantly their kids.
“Schools are critically examining the need to hold events and gatherings and are considering postponing those which are not considered necessary.”
Mr Box said school leaders were evaluating activities which were not essential for student learning.
“I think our bigger schools would be conscious of not having an assembly with 600 students all in one hall,” he said.
“At the minute, I do not think these procedures would be having an impact on student learning.
“It is business as usual, teachers are still teaching and students are still learning.”
Mr Box said the department would continue updating public schools and childcare centres with the most up-to-date information possible.
“We would recommend parents and carers to communicate with teachers and staff if they are concerned.
“Schools are doing their best to implement strategies in place to prevent contamination and minimise impact.”
The State Government has announced schools or early childhood services facilities would immediately close for a minimum of 24 hours if a confirmed COVID-19 case was detected involving someone who has been on-site.
Under new protocols , the site would only reopen when deemed safe to do so by health experts, with the site to be thoroughly cleaned.
Closure will allow public health officials to identify and notify any close contacts and advise on isolation requirements.
Additionally, in response to current travel warnings, all international student excursions and work-related staff travel to countries excluding New Zealand have been put on hold until the end of Term 2.
South Australia’s chief public health officer Associate Professor Nicola Spurrier said the decision was essential.
“An immediate closure provides the best chance of containment and allows the public health team to carry out the necessary work to identify close contacts who will need to remain at home for 14 days,” Assoc Prof Spurrier said.
Parents are also being asked to help contain the spread of the illness by keeping children who are unwell with respiratory illness at home until symptoms resolve.
Education Minister John Gardner urged employers to be flexible and understanding if parents required time off to care for sick children.
“We know it can be difficult to arrange care or take time off work to care for a child, but in the current circumstances we need people to do everything they can for the health of the wider community.”
