Circuit breaker, masks enforced at Adelaide Hills school amid mini Covid outbreak

Just when we thought Covid directives were behind us, an Adelaide Hills school has reintroduced measures to stop the spread of a Covid outbreak.

Blackwood High School has introduced a “circuit breaker” after a Covid outbreak. Picture: 7NEWS

An Adelaide Hills high school is scrambling to contain a Covid outbreak.

On Wednesday, SA Health confirmed Blackwood High School at Eden Hills had reported a large number of Covid cases.

A spokesperson said a “range of measures” are in place in an attempt to stop the spread.

A group of Year 8 students have been told to have a three-day “circuit breaker” after nine cases were reported in a class.

An Education Department spokesperson said students were sent home if Covid cases within a class year level hit 10.

“Ten cases within one class over seven days will initiate a circuit breaker of online learning for three days. Alternatively, it would be five cases in five different classes,” the spokesperson said.

“The threshold of a circuit breaker (10 cases in a class over seven days) will trigger face masks for students in Year 7 and above and for teachers and staff.”

A letter was distributed to parents outlining the measures in line with Covid management plans in South Australia’s public schools.

The letter, signed by principal Chris Brandwood, said masks will be reintroduced due to the increase in positive cases within the school community.

“The impact of ongoing positive cases over the past seven days has been considered by the Department for Education Covid response unit to determine the most appropriate course of action,” the letter said.

“Face masks will be required to be worn while indoors by all students in years 7-12 and all staff and visitors of Blackwood High School from February 9 until February 24.

“This requirement is aimed at assisting in breaking the chains of transmission of Covid-19.”

Exemptions are in place for students and staff with a medical condition, including problems with breathing, a severe skin condition, disability or mental health condition.

It comes as Covid cases plummet across the state.

Reported weekly numbers indicate a steady decline since the start of December.

About 11,185 cases were reported in the week ending on December 9, compared to 1086 in the week ending on January 27.