By Alesha Capone
Al-Taqwa College says it is “deeply grateful” for the support offered by the community and state government after being subjected to racism following the latest COVID-19 outbreak at the school.
Twenty-three people linked to the Truganina school have tested positive for coronavirus since a teacher was diagnosed with the virus on August 4.
Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton said 87 per cent of the 2600 primary contacts at the school have tested negative as of Monday.
The school was the site of one of the largest COVID-19 outbreaks during Victoria’s second wave last year.
On Tuesday, Health Minister Martin Foley praised the way in which the school has handled the latest outbreak.
He revealed that more than half of the Al-Taqwa school community has received a COVID-19 vaccine through a pop-up vaccination hub set up at the school last week, while many more families had received vaccinations at nearby hubs and GP clinics.
Al-Taqwa College spokesperson Terry Barnes said the school was “deeply grateful for the public acknowledgement of Al-Taqwa College by the premier, chief health officer and COVID commander”, and also the support of Wyndham council and mayor Adele Hegedich.
Mr Barnes acknowledged Al-Taqwa has faced racism since the teacher was first diagnosed.
“Unfortunately, there have been some very unpleasant messages sent to the college and on social media,” he said.
“However, the college deeply appreciates the outpouring of support and encouragement we have received since this latest outbreak has affected our community.”
Other Wyndham schools impacted by the virus include Warringa Park School in Hoppers Crossing, Heathdale Christian College in Werribee and the Islamic College of Melbourne in Tarneit.
Meanwhile Wyndham council was planning to hold an “emergency meeting” on Tuesday to push for the municipality to be prioritised to receive more AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccinations, and for a local state vaccination hub to be set up.
Department of Health data shows more than 20 Wyndham residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19 recently, with nine cases residing in the 3029 postcode, seven in the 3030 postcode and six in the 3024 postcode.
It comes as Victoria recorded 20 new cases on Tuesday, five of which were in quarantine during their infectious period.
A number of COVID-19 exposure sites have been listed across Wyndham in the past week.
A Wyndham council spokesperson said its staff have been working closely with government agencies and community groups to provide support and relief to residents who have to stay home and isolate for 14 days.
“With a large cohort of our community isolation, the main focus is on food banks at the moment, providing the basic staples required for those unable to get out and do a grocery shop,” the spokesperson said.
The council’s Pandemic Recovery Office is also working with local food suppliers to ensure Wyndham foodbanks have access to quality and culturally appropriate food to supply those in need.
“Our bicultural workers and community leaders continue to be an important ally in this outbreak, and have been working closely with (the council’s) City Life and Pandemic Recovery Office to ensure they’re across the latest messaging, hearing feedback and requests for support directly, and working alongside them to ensure all residents receive the support they need,” the spokesperson said.
Details: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites
