COVID-19 Student Update

Thursday, July 21, 2022 / Coronavirus Student Updates

Given the current rise in COVID-19 cases, I felt it was important to touch base with students to update you on the recent government advice around keeping COVID-Safe at SWTAFE over winter.

Facemasks

The Victorian Government have advised that mask-wearing in indoor and crowded settings is now strongly recommended to protect individuals and those who are our most vulnerable.

TAFEs, Universities and adult education staff and students are now encouraged to wear a mask while working or studying in indoor learning or office spaces, from now until the end of winter.

Household contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case must continue to wear a mask indoors unless an exemption applies.

Stay well in winter

The Victorian Government has launched a Stay Well in Winter campaign to encourage:

third and fourth COVID-19 vaccination doses
flu vaccination
maximising ventilation indoors

All of the above, along with wearing a mask, will assist us all to stay healthy during the next couple of months and we encourage you to utilise these opportunities to stay well.

Changes to the exemptions for testing and isolation

The period when someone is considered a recently confirmed case (and therefore exempt from testing and isolation/quarantine requirements) has changed.
It has been reduced to 4 weeks, instead of the previous 12 weeks.

This means that those who are household contacts of people with COVID-19 are no longer exempt from the testing and isolation requirements after 4 weeks from completing isolation with COVID-19

For more information, see the Checklist for covid contacts

COVID Vaccination requirements for TAFE student

While most students and other visitors attending onsite (excluding paid or volunteer workers) are no longer required to show evidence that they have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination, those undertaking placements must continue to adhere to the vaccination mandate that applies to their sector.

How to keep COVIDSafe at SWTAFE

Other ways to keep safe and limit the spread of COVID-19:

Consider hosting meetings online versus face-to-face
Practice good hygiene - frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
Keep 1.5 metres away from others wherever possible
Avoid physical greetings such as handshaking
Avoid crowds and large gatherings
Get tested and always stay at home if you have any cold or flu symptoms

Every student at SWTAFE needs to take responsibility for their own health, and I hope the above provides some guidance for healthy practices while at our campuses during winter.

For more information on current restrictions, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au. It is the single destination for all Victorian COVID-19 information and resources.

Regards,
Mark Fidge
CEO