16/03/2020
The Australian and State Governments are updating their advice and directives on the Corona Virus 19 situation regularly, and often with short notice, Coastal FDC will send alerts via the Bulletin when changes occur, or issues arise for Educators and families. However, it is important to also monitor the situation yourselves, and seek support from the CFDC Coordination Unit if an issue is unclear. We will do our best to support your decision-making.
An example of an Educator query that arose today was that of a parent returning from a solo overseas trip, and the question of what this would mean to the children who attend an FDC Service. In this case the parent is self-isolating for 14 days, while the children stay elsewhere, and they will still attend FDC. The government directives do not address this issue so far.
For the latest information regarding allowable absences, and child care subsidy issues please read the info sheet below.
https://docs-edu.govcms.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/coronavirus_info_sheet_no_1.pdf
Please see below the current active alerts from the Tasmanian Department of Education:
AFFECTED SCHOOLS
No Tasmanian public schools are currently closed due to novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Current advice – 16 March 2020
We are introducing precautionary measures to limit the impact of COVID-19 in our schools.
Our schools have adopted social distancing measures. This means the cancellation of all
assemblies and presentation nights
excurisions
travel
fetes
fairs
concerts (with audiences)
all sports carnivals
school camps (both local and interstate)
parent teacher meetings (consider using phone or other technology).
These restrictions will be in place until further notice.
Current advice from the Australian Government is:
All travellers to Australia will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
A ban on cruise liners from foreign ports arriving at Australian ports for 30 days.
Any confirmed case of COVID-19 will be excluded until they are medically cleared to return.
Close contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be excluded for 14 days since last contact with the confirmed case.
Students and staff who have returned to Australia and have shown no symptoms during the 14-day home-isolation period are able to return to school or work.
General Information
For up-to-date information, visit:
Tasmanian Public Health website
Australian Government Department of Health website
Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080.
FIELD VISITS
To utilise best practice in containing possible cross-infection, Coastal FDC Field Co-ordinators will work as much as possible from the Co-ordination Unit via phone and email, will untertake pre-arranged Re-registrations with Educators, but will only visit one service per day whenever possible.
MEDICAL RISK MINIMISATION FOR CHILDREN IN CARE
If you have children with asthma, or other medical conditions that may make them more vulnerable if they become ill, please make sure their Action Plans are current, and you have an up-to-date Risk Minimisation Plan completed (see attached).
https://mcusercontent.com/3ca9cd81893970951d7a9f839/files/1c5f5669-5fca-4cac-87b9-8e6fb1db0d40/Risk_Minimisation_Plan.pdf
