Free COVID tests for all school staff

The Department of Health and Human Services has launched the Victorian school staff coronavirus screening scheme for all school staff until next Tuesday.

To assist screening of school staff across Baw Baw Shire, West Gippsland Healthcare Group has set up a free testing service at its Gladstone St community health centre.

The screening is part of a state government testing blitz to examine possible undetected COVID-19 infection in key sectors across the community.

WGHG chief executive officer Dan Weeks said the free screening was specifically for school staff who do not have symptoms.

“It is a voluntary program where teachers, principals and all other school staff in all government, independent and Catholic schools can be tested for COVID-19 even if they look or feel well or have no symptoms,” he said.

No bookings are required but school staff will need to bring a request form with them and proof of Victorian school employment such as a VIT card.

The screening will involve a simple throat/nasal swab and participants do not have to self-isolate while waiting for results.

The school staff Covid-19 screening service, located at 31-35 Gladstone Street is open for school staff with no symptoms from 2.30pm to 6pm from now until May 26. No bookings are required.

If anyone has symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, chills, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of sense of smell they should contact the respiratory clinic (West Gippsland Specialist Centre) in Sutton St by phoning 5642 6666 for testing and follow up.