Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Page last updated 6 May 2020
As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our community we are monitoring the Coronavirus situation closely and following advice from government agencies and global organisations.
This page will provide you with specific information in regard to how we are managing the risk and supporting our students, their families and staff, as well as links to advice and information which may be helpful.
Updates for our Hillbrook Community
We are regularly providing updates to our Hillbrook families. You can refer back to any of these updates here.
Safety and hygiene precautions at Hillbrook
Our hygiene measures have been increased and updated for the return to school of Year 11 and 12s on 11 May. They are detailed here. They include:
- Social Distancing
- Deep cleaning
- Daily hygiene rituals for all classrooms
- How we are managing:
- Sport
- Music
- Sickbay
Our risk management team has planned for other scenarios such as the school being closed down and how we would continue to provide lessons remotely where possible. We will act accordingly upon advice from the authorities.
COVIDSafe App
On 7 May 2020, David Robertson, Executive Director of Independent Schools Queensland wrote to principals about the COVIDSafe App.
A number of independent schools have enquired about the Federal Government’s COVIDSafe app. It is an individual school decision as to whether they promote the app to students, staff and parents. For your information, below is a message sent to state schools from the Director General of Education in relation to the app.
In my communication to principals and staff last Monday I provided advice on the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe App that will form part of our nation’s capacity to track and respond to COVID-19 cases in our communities. The more people that download the app, the better contact tracing capacity will be and the sooner Governments can look to the further easing of restrictions. Further information regarding the COVIDSafe app, including FAQs, is available from the Australian Department of Health website.
Helpful Articles about Coronavirus
ABC - How long does the coronavirus live on surfaces?
ABC - An easy to read explainer about symptoms and recovery
ABC - How to quarantine yourself
ABC - Dedicated Coronavirus News page
The Conversation - How to clean your house
The Conversation - Coronavirus Articles
Guardian - Coronavirus World Map
The Scientist - Coronavirus Articles
World Health Organization - Advice for the public
World Health Organization - Myth Busters re Coronavirus
World Health Organization - When and how to use masks
Useful Websites / Pages
Australian Coronavirus Statistics from ABC Online - Updated daily
SchoolTV - Coronavirus Special Report
Australian Government Department of Health
Smartraveller.gov.au
Queensland Health
Department of Education Queensland
Queensland Independent Schools
E-Mental Health in Practice - QUT
Helpful Videos
Your COVID-19 questions answered UQ
Best measures of protection from WHO
How to wash your hand properly
More helpful information from WHO
TRAVEL ADVICE
Countries with changed DFAT Advice Levels in regard to coronavirus
Significant changes to travel advice for Australians now from 18 March 2020.
DFAT now advise all Australians: do not travel overseas at this time. This is the highest advice level (level 4 of 4).
If you are already overseas and wish to return to Australia, DFAT recommend you do so as soon as possible by commercial means.
Regardless of your destination, age or health, advice is do not travel at this time.
From the latest DFAT Advice:
As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult. You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to. Consider whether you have access to health care and support systems if you get sick while overseas. If you decide to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible. Commercial options may become less available.
If you are overseas and cannot, or do not want to, return to Australia, follow the advice of local authorities. Take care to minimise your risk of exposure to coronavirus including by self-isolating. If you choose to stay, note our ability to provide consular assistance in some places may be limited due to restrictions on movement and other services.
If you’re travelling or returning to Australia and arrive from 12am on 16 March, you will be required to self-isolate (Coronavirus COVID-19 isolation guidance) for 14 days. This applies to all travellers, including Australian citizens. For details see the Australian Border Force website.
Contact your airline, travel agent or insurance company to discuss your travel plans and options for cancelling or postponing current bookings, or to arrange flights back to Australia.
All cruise ships which have sailed from a foreign port have been banned from entering Australian ports for 30 days.
More: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19
Families and Staff Travelling overseas - Hillbrook's current position -UPDATED 18/3/2020
Based on DFAT and recommendations from the Australian Government Health Department, our current position in regard to overseas travel is:
- If you are travelling to any country outside of Australia you will be required to self-quarantine on return to Australia for 2 weeks before your children can return to school.
- If you and your children remain well they can return to school after 7 days.
Please email communications@hillbrook.qld.edu.au if you have any current travel plans that are still going ahead during the Easter holidays.
