Sunraysia teachers set for tests before class

SCHS clinic programs manager Shelley Faulks said testing teachers for the virus was part of the Victorian Government’s easing of stage 3 restrictions.

This week Premier Daniel Andrews announced students would begin returning to school on Tuesday, May 26.

Ms Faulks said all staff would be prioritised for volunteer COVID-19 testing before returning to schools.

“We’ll be reopening our morning testing site to enable school staff to seek testing during the preparation period before they return to school,” she said.

Testing will be available from Thursday until Tuesday, May 26, from 9am to 11am.

Ms Faulks said all school staff were encouraged to be tested for the virus and could do so Monday to Friday at SCHS on Thirteenth Street.

“It is voluntary,” she said.

“All Victorian school staff, whether they’re symptomatic or asymptomatic, are welcome to have a test done.

“School staff does include teachers, principals, administration and support staff at our primary, secondary, public, independent and Catholic schools.”

The morning clinic at SCHS is available to asymptomatic school staff and no bookings are required.

School staff experiencing fevers, chills and respiratory problems can call the SCHS COVID-19 hotline to book an appointment.

“The school staff are required to complete a request for test form and complete the online rapid assessment tool guide with the QR code before they come,” Ms Faulks said.

“All the schools have been emailed the information and will hopefully pass that on to their staff.”

Members of the public experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are urged to call SCHS on 5021 7653.