Two Victorian schools have been forced to close as a result of potential COVID-19 exposure.
Barwon Heads Primary School, south-east of Geelong, and Bacchus Marsh Grammar, to Melbourne’s north-east, have both closed temporarily, with some staff and students sent into isolation.
The Department of Health said an infected person was at Barwon Heads Primary on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week, while a confirmed case spent Monday at a Bacchus Marsh Grammar staff development day.
It said Barwon Heads Primary School had been directed to close and public health teams were investigating potential exposure to the virus.
“Public health teams are working closely with the leadership and community at both schools,” the department said, in a statement,
“Affected individuals will be contacted directly and further updates will be provided when they are available.
“The schools will not be listed as public exposure sites online as comprehensive record-keeping practices were in place.”
“We have been informed that a member of the teaching staff has tested positive for COVID-19. The teacher was at the School’s Staff Day on Monday 12 July but has not been in contact with students on either Tuesday 13 July or Wednesday 14 July 2021,” school Principal Andrew A Neal said in a statement.
“As a result of this result all staff who were at the Staff Day on Monday 12 July have been directed by the COVID-19 Public Health Division Department of Health to isolate and be tested.
“Given the need for testing of virtually all staff and the need for additional cleaning, there will be no classes at the Woodlea or Maddingley Campus on Thursday and Friday 15-16 July for all students.
“In the event of a longer period of confinement for staff, online learning would commence on Monday 19 July.”
The grammar school is awaiting instructions from the Department of Health regarding sanitation and cleaning of the school.
Victoria today recorded seven additional COVID-19 cases in addition to one confirmed overnight.
All cases are linked to known clusters.
Several exposure sites have been identified, including multiple Tier One locations.