By Luke Voogt
Kardinia and Covenant colleges have closed today amid possible COVID-19 cases in students.
In a statement online last night Kardinia College advised that it would temporarily close today due to a possible COVID-19 case.
“There will be no classes or remote learning available,” the college stated.
“We will await advice from the Department of Health [and Human Services] (DHHS) regarding re-opening and notify families [this] afternoon. The health and safety of our community is our first priority.”
Meanwhile, a Covenant College student had come into “direct contact” with a COVID-19 case, principal Sue Cox yesterday confirmed in an email advising parents the school would close today.
“Covenant College was advised of a case of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) that has occurred within the broader school community,” Ms Cox said in the email.
“A student in our community from the Geelong region has had direct contact with a person with COVID-19. However, that student has not been diagnosed as having COVID-19.”
The Bell Post Hill Christian college, which has classes from kindergarten to VCE, would close as a precautionary measure, Ms Cox said.
She said the college would undergo a deep clean and that she had been in contact with the DHHS for the latest advice.
“All staff and students are asked to stay at home and there will be no classes or activities at the school and no remote learning on Tuesday July 28.
“We anticipate a return to regular classes on Wednesday July 29. If there is any change to resuming classes on Wednesday we will send a further update [on Tuesday] afternoon.”
Ms Cox urged any staff, students and parents who develop cold and flu-like symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, a cough or sore throat to get tested.
She also requested them to self-isolate and inform the college as soon as possible.
Ms Cox acknowledged the closure would impact students, families and staff.
“We apologise for this but are being cautious and want our students, staff and families to be as safe as possible,” she said.
