Covid and Influenza: State schools and Catholic education response

Major education providers have moved to stem fears after some schools reported an increase in Covid cases.

MAJOR education providers have moved to stem fears after some schools recently reported an increase in Covid and influenza cases.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School principal Gavin Rick sent out an email to parents on Monday providing data about Covid and flu cases.

“We are concerned about this unexpected spike and want you to be forearmed with the information,” Mr Rick wrote in the email.

Four staff were affected while a portion of students from each level except from Year Six also were unwell with flu-like symptoms.

Cairns Catholic Education Services Executive Director Bill Dixon

Cairns Catholic Education Services executive director Bill Dixon said they continued to put the safety of the students, staff and community first.

“We have conducted a health check of our schools, which revealed some schools have had no cases while others, including St Joseph’s School, have had a small number of cases,” he said.

“While the case numbers are very low at St Joseph’s, the school has been in communications with their families and should be commended for this action.”

Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Richard Gair said vaccination was the best protection against both viruses.

“Our Covid-19 case numbers are continuing to trend downwards; however, flu cases in our region – as they are statewide – are still increasing,” he said.

Director Cairns Tropical Public Health Unit, Dr Richard Gair says flu cases in the region are increasin. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“As we have always suggested, if you are having any symptoms of the flu or Covid-19, stay at home until your symptoms resolve.”

One hundred and four cases of influenza were verified from June 6 to June 12 while overall 1346 have been documented since January 1.

A Department of Education spokesman said the response to the pandemic is agile in responding to rapidly changing situations.

“Just as they do every day, schools will make local decisions to accommodate any staff absences and ensure students continue to learn and remain engaged,” he said.

“The Department has access to approximately 6,000 fully vaccinated relief teachers, who are ready to work in state schools across the state if required.”

Originally published as Covid and Influenza: State schools and Catholic education response