By Alesha Capone
A new COVID-19 testing site is being set up at Al-Taqwa College in Truganina, after a teacher from the school tested positive to the virus.
The Department of Health announced yesterday that the school would close, with all students and staff instructed to get tested and isolate until further notice.
The teacher, a woman aged in her twenties who lives in Hobsons Bay , is believed to have potentially been infectious in the community for three days last week.
This morning, construction crews were on-site at the Truganina school, putting up tents for the new COVID-19 testing site.
Yesterday Al-Taqwa College released a statement saying it was advised of the teacher’s coronavirus diagnosis at 2.30pm.
The statement said that upon the direction of the Western Public Health Unit and the Department of Health, the college immediately advised staff, students and families that they must be COVID-tested immediately.
All staff and students were also told they must immediately self-quarantine until further notice, and continue getting tested even if they test negative.
Today is a student-free day to enable staff to be tested. Online classes will resume on Friday, until further notice, the school said.
“For the time being, the college campus will be completely shut down with no staff members or students permitted to attend the college premises,” the statement said.
“Deep cleaning is being arranged.
“Unless and until the department advises us otherwise, we are locking down the college campus for the full 14 day precautionary period, therefore online classes will continue until Wednesday, August 18. Classes will resume face-to-face on Thursday, August 19.
“The college assures our families, staff and the Victorian community that we have done everything required by the Victorian government to implement COVID-19 protocols and precautions, as we have throughout this pandemic.”
The Western Region Football League has also released a statement, stating that a player from the Newport Football Club seniors reportedly tested positive to COVID-19 yesterday.
The player participated in a match against West Footscray at Shorten Reserve in West Footscray on Saturday afternoon.
“The player began to feel unwell this week and did not attend club training on Tuesday, and was confirmed as having COVID-19 on Wednesday,” the statement said.
“On learning of the positive case, Newport Football Club immediately advised all players & officials to get tested and isolate until further notice.
“The matter is in the hands of the DHHS, and the WRFL in conjunction with AFL Victoria will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
A number of new COVID exposure sites in Newport, Altona North and Caroline Springs have also been listed at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites
