With all students scheduled to return this week, the Hunter Valley has been rocked by the closure of another three schools due to COVID-19.
The NSW Department of Education announced on Sunday 24 October that Thornton Public, Mayfield West Public and Irrawang Public would be shut, effective immediately, until further notice for cleaning and contract tracing.
The local learning facilities were listed alongside Hume Public, Bowen Public, Rivers Secondary College, Richmond River High Campus, Mt Druitt Public, Eglington Public, Bonnyrigg Heights Public, Albion Park High, Bringelly Public, Russell Vale Public, Kendall Public, Bradbury Public, Northbourne Public and South West Rocks Public.
“Unfortunately, a school community member tested positive for COVID-19,” an NSW Education spokesperson said.
“All staff and pupils are asked to self-isolate and follow the NSW Health advice and protocols.
“NSW Health has requested anyone who has been unwell or if you develop any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics.”
It comes after Year 1 and Year 12 pupils, along with Kindergarten, went back to the classrooms on 18 October.
A number of NSW schools will also reopen for staff and students tomorrow, including Auburn North Public, Green Hill Public, Curl Curl North and Hinchinbrook Public.
“Pupils, and employees, identified as close contacts were notified and asked to self-isolate for the required period and follow the NSW Health advice and protocols,” the spokesperson said.
“Each school has been thoroughly cleaned and will reopen on Monday 25 October.”
Further information on COVID-19 is available on the NSW Government website
Alternatively, more details about the NSW Department of Education response to the virus is available on the organisation’s website.
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