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Novel Coronavirus Update

There is a lot of concern about the Novel Coronavirus. In an effort to give concerned citizens a central repository for the latest information, the State Ministers for Education and Health in conjunction with Catholic and Independent schools are directing all parties to the  WA Department of Health website: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus

The peak agency with responsibility in Western Australia is the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

You can find information and useful fact sheets for parents, schools and early childhood centres on the Department of Health WA website.

Advice to Members:

  • If you are self-monitoring potential exposure by staying at home for the recommended 14 days because you have traveled through mainland China or Hong Kong, please note you do NOT have to provide a medical certificate to your employer.
  • If you are directed to not attend your workplace by your employer, your personal or medical leave is preserved. You do not have to use sick leave if you have been requested to stay home.
  • Residential colleges and boarding schools are dealing with students on a case-by-case basis.
  • Principals are the frontline of information and have been commended by the Department of Health for their responsiveness to this issue.
  • Employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace. If you feel this is not the case, please contact your union office on 08 9373 1000 or email enquiries@ieuwa.org.au

Please note that the information of the Department of Health website will be updated regularly so please check back if you have concerns.

For those seeking information and advice about quarantine procedures, traveller and general information about the virus itself:

At this stage the Department of Education is recommending that anyone who has come through, to or from mainland China or Hong Kong stay at home for a period of 14 days. Consideration should be given to postponing or cancelling any travel to China or Hong Kong; this is consistent with advice from Smartraveller.

From the Fact sheet for parents, schools and early childhood centres: Parents of children are asked NOT to send their children to school if the child has returned from mainland China or Hong Kong within 14 days. Although the risk to children is very low, this is a precautionary approach to ensure the safest possible environment for children. Children do not require a medical certificate or clearance, but are asked to remain at home until 14 days after leaving mainland China or Hong Kong.

For more information:

Department of Health: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus

WA Novel Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 300 243