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COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Student Update 14

/ Coronavirus Student Updates
We are now almost two weeks into the Stage 3 restrictions in regional Victoria, which I thought was good timing to remind everyone of how we can all keep keeping COVID SAFE at SWTAFE.
COVID-19 update

With active cases now occurring locally, we all need to be mindful of how quickly the situation can change, and what part each of us plays in our preparedness for any cases that may impact SWTAFE.

First up, we have created a video that outlines what we have implemented onsite to assist in making every campus as safe as we can.  Please take a look below.

There is also a range of things that I’d like to highlight as responsibilities for all students in helping us to maintain a safety-conscious environment at SWTAFE:

What we ask you to do to keep COVID safe at SWTAFE

1.    Limit your movement around campus
For anyone on campus, we recommend that everyone limits their movement as much as possible between spaces and buildings.  This would greatly assist should a staff member or student be identified as COVID-19 positive.   The less movement /contacts each of us has, the easier it will be to manage contact tracing.

2.    No gatherings on campus
It is important that any students who do need to come onto a campus that they do not congregate in public spaces like the café.  We encourage everyone to purchase food and then return to an area close to their classroom or an outside space.  And please remember to maintain social distancing.

3.    Be contactable
Should we need to contact students about a close contact with a positive COVID-19 case within the SWTAFE environment, we will do so initially via an SMS to mobile.  Please make sure you keep your mobile handy and check regularly for messages (this is important to remember out of hours and weekends).

4.    Wear a mask, keep your distance and clean those hands!
Please continue to maintain social distancing at all times, and always wear a mask when you are on campus.  Of course, hand hygiene is also critical to lowering your risk so please use hand sanitiser or thoroughly wash your hands regularly.

5.    Be prepared for a deep clean if needed
If there was a positive COVID-19 case on campus we would initiate a deep clean of all appropriate sites.  This could be in areas where students study, so we ask that all areas are kept clear and tidy.  This will assist in the contractors being able to efficiently conduct cleaning and not risk the disposal of items that you require for work.

What to do if you are unwell or being tested for COVID-19

  • If you are unwell you must remain off-campus and inform your teacher.
  • If you are being tested, this must be communicated to your teacher. 
  • If you are unable to contact your teacher please call 1300 648 911 and our Customer Service Team will be able to assist you.

How to report a positive COVID-19 case

If you are a student of SWTAFE and need to report a positive COVID-19 case, please immediately contact Shannyn Martin:
During business hours call Shannyn Martin on (03) 5564 8817 or 0466 615 864, or email incident.response@swtafe.edu.au
After hours please call Shannyn Martin on 0466 615 864.

What happens if there is a positive COVID-19 case at SWTAFE

We are well prepared should we be alerted of a positive case at SWTAFE.  A comprehensive Trace Management Procedure and Communications Plan has been prepared should we need to act.  

Rest assured that should we be notified of a connection to a positive case that any staff or students identified as close contacts would be alerted immediately by SWTAFE.  We would also facilitate all requirements and directives of DHHS to prioritise and protect the health and safety of our students, staff and broader community.

Keep on doing what you do so well

Our focus is to provide an exceptional learning experience for all our students for the remaining weeks of Term 3, whilst also working optimistically towards the start of Term 4.  

I’d like to congratulate every student for their continued commitment and positive approach to learning during this challenging time.

Mark Fidge
CEO
South West TAFE