Geelong schools close
Virus hits Belmont High, Baptist College
BELMONT High School has closed its doors until further notice after a reported case of COVID-19.
Principal Sandra Eglezos said in a letter to parents on Wednesday night the Department of Health and Human Services was investigating.
“As a precautionary measure, Belmont High School will be closed for 24 hours initially, or until we receive advice it can re-open,” she said.
“All students are asked to stay home until further advice is provided. I am very aware that this is a time of heightened anxiety for us all.”
A Geelong Baptist College student has also tested positive to COVID-19, resulting in the school immediately closing its doors on Wednesday.
The P-12 college sent all its students home early after DHHS confirmed a positive result in a secondary student at the school.
Principals Judy Sobey and Neil Wetmore said in a letter to parents that the school would remain closed while assessment and tracing of exposure was conducted.
“The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has advised all staff and students to self-isolate until notified, even if they are symptomfree,” the letter read.
“We understand that this may be unsettling news, however we want to assure you that the safety of all students is our number one priority.
“I want to reassure you that the decisions being made are based on expert health advice with the best interests of your child/children in mind.”
The DHHS would keep the college informed on the progress of its investigation, the letter said.
The recent closures join a list of schools in the Geelong region to shut this week because of possible COVID-19 exposure.
Kardinia International College said it would reopen on Thursday after closing earlier this week following a possible COVID-19 case.
Covenant College reopened on Wednesday after closing as a precautionary measure due to a student who had a “close contact” with a positive COVID-19 case in Geelong.
Grovedale West Primary School will stay closed after it was linked to a second case seven days ago.
The school reopened for two days, and then closed again on Thursday, after a second student, who did attend school while infectious, was diagnosed with the virus.
Clonard College said it would also continue remote learning until further notice after a student tested positive to COVID-19 last week.
Geelong Grammar said this week that several of its boarding students presented with cold and flu-like symptoms, but there had been no known exposure to COVID-19 at its Corio campus.
It said the students were being tested for coronavirus, with arrangements in place for them to self-isolate off campus until they had received a negative COVID-19 test result.