By Luke Voogt
Clonard College has closed for a week after a confirmed COVID-19 case in a student, while two primary schools have reopened following precautionary closures on Monday.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) confirmed a Clonard College student tested positive for COVID-19, principal Luci Quinn said in an email to parents.
“Following advice from DHHS and Catholic Education Melbourne, Clonard College will be closed from Monday July 20 for one week.
“This closure will allow time for the college and DHHS to work through a contact and containment strategy.”
This strategy included identifying and notifying any recent close contacts of the student, Ms Quinn said.
DHHS would notify all affected students, families and staff over the next 24 hours and advise them on what actions to take, she said.
“Students are advised to remain at home while contact tracing occurs.
“They must limit movements to home-based activities and not attend public places.
“Remote learning will restart on Wednesday. Further details will be provided tomorrow.
“I understand this news may be concerning for many of you.
“I want to assure you we are doing everything we can to contain and slow the spread of the virus.
“The school will update all families once the contact tracing has been completed and a decision about reopening the school facilities for students is made.”
Meanwhile Drysdale Primary principal Phil Dunlop-Moore announced the school had reopened today.
“As you know, our school has been advised of a reported case of COVID-19,” he said.
“I would like to reassure you that we took immediate action when we became aware of a reported case.”
The school closed on Monday as a precautionary measure but DHHS’ investigation did not confirm the case and the department determined the school could reopen today, Mr Dunlop-Moore said.
Grovedale West Primary School also confirmed it had reopened today but declined to provide further information when contacted by the Independent.
The Independent understands the school’s closure was precautionary and is awaiting confirmation of this from the Department of Education and Training (DET).
Reports emerged of a case in a staff member at Goodstart Early Learning Centre Grovedale, but DET said “Goodstart Early Learning Grovedale is operating as normal.”
Meanwhile central Geelong restaurant Sailors’ Rest has closed “until further notice” after reports of a customer, who was in their upstairs lounge last Friday, July 17, testing positive.
“We are in the process of conducting a deep clean and ensuring that anyone who is required to quarantine, does so for 14 days,” the restaurant said in statements online.
“We are working closely with the DHHS providing them with any information they need.
“They have advised us on what we need to do next as a venue and have instructed us to hand over patron contact details.”
