By Alesha Capone
A total of 147 coronavirus cases have been linked to an outbreak at Al-Taqwa College in Truganina, making it one of the largest outbreaks in Victoria.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) first reported cases of the virus at Al-Taqwa of June 29.
College students, staff and close contacts of school community members are among those who have been diagnosed with the illness, according to the DHHS.
More than 2000 Al-Taqwa students and 300 school employees have been tested for the virus.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said it is believed there was a link between the Al-Taqwa outbreak and the outbreaks at public housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington.
“These are communities that cross over between Truganina and these towers,” he said.
On Monday, Channel Seven reported that Al-Taqwa would remain closed for an extra week, despite term three resuming for VCE and VCAL students across the rest of the state.
Channel Seven reported that a letter, sent from college principal Omar Hallak to parents said: “Students, staff or visitors will NOT be permitted to come to the College until further notice.”
In a statement released last week, Mr Hallak said: “We have been vigilant since the outbreak of COVID-19 and put in place safety measures to keep all staff, students and the wider community safe.”
Mr Hallak said that the school had implemented daily temperature checks for all staff, students and school visitors.
“Any staff or student that presented with even the mildest cold and flu symptoms were sent back home as a safety precaution,” he said.
“Good hygiene posters were placed all around the school as were hand sanitisers to ensure everyone was practising good hygiene and told to social distance.
“We have taken additional measures since the outbreak, including spending over $100,000 on additional cleaning and hygiene measures, involving an organisation approved by DHHS.”
