WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If your student is not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they can continue to attend school, but you should monitor for symptoms.
Students who show symptoms of COVID-19 are required to do a rapid antigen test immediately
- On receipt of a negative test result, the student can return to school
- If students are too unwell to attend school, usual absence policies apply
For information on symptoms visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/symptoms-and-risks.
For more information on how to get tested visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/taking-test-covid-19.
If your student returns a positive result, your student has COVID-19.
- You must isolate your student at home for 7 days
- You must advise the school about the positive result
- A negative test is not required to return to school following 7 days of isolation
Reporting your student’s positive test
If your student was at school when they were infectious you need to report the positive case through the Student COVID-19 Test Portal and notify the school by phone.
You must also report your student’s positive test to the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398.
If a student has recovered from COVID-19 they are not required to get tested or isolate/quarantine if re-exposed to a case within 12 weeks of ending their isolation period.
Household contacts are no longer required to quarantine if they take additional safety measures, but are required to:
- Notify the school if returning during their 7 day household contact period;
- Undertake rapid antigen testing five times within the 7 days;
- Wear a face mask when indoors (if aged 8 years and above or unless they have a valid exemption);
- Are not permitted to visit hospitals or care facilities unless an exemption applies.
A student is a household contact or household-like contact if:
You have spent more than four hours with someone who has COVID-19 inside a house, accommodation or care facility.
Contact at school is not included in this definition, unless contact has occurred in a school-based residential setting, e.g. school camp or boarding school.
Face masks
While recommended, face masks are no longer required in any school setting except if you are a household contact where you are required to wear a face mask for your 7 day household contact period. Any students who wish to wear a mask at any other time may do so.
Everyone including students aged 8 years and above must wear a face mask when travelling on public transport, taxis or ride share vehicles.
Further information for languages other than English
- For school information in languages other than English, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Please ask them to call the DET COVID-19 hotline on 1800 338 663 and they will help interpret.
- For translated written information about COVID-19, please visit: Translated information about COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria.
- For health advice in languages other than English, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/translated-information-about-coronavirus-covid-19
General advice and support
For general advice and support please call the Department of Education and Training COVID-19 hotline on 1800 338 663.
You can also contact the school: 9531 9566
Advice and further resources about what to do if you test positive to COVID-19, or you have been told you are a contact, are at: Your COVID Checklist | Coronavirus Victoria, or call the 24/7 Coronavirus hotline on: 1800 675 398