Parents at two state schools north of Brisbane receive news of first self-isolation cases as virus spreads

Coronavirus fears have reached into the hearts of two state schools in the north of Brisbane, with students and staff self-isolating after suspected contact with a carrier or carriers of COVID-19.

CORONAVIRUS fears have reached into the hearts of two state schools in the north of Brisbane, with students and staff self-isolating after suspected contact with a carrier or carriers of COVID-19.

School letters published online show both Lawnton State School (LSS) and Pine Rivers State High School (PRSHS) have been affected.

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A Pine Rivers State High School letter informs parents and caregivers that staff and students will self-isolate due to COVID-19.

In a March 16 letter to parents and caregivers PRSHS principal Doug Watson announced two members of staff and three students will follow Queensland Health guidelines to self-isolate for 14 days.

Mr Watson said no cases of coronavirus have been confirmed at the school.

“I wanted to assure you we are following the strict advice of Queensland Health and we will continue to monitor all staff and students as we continue through this prolonged process,” Mr Watson said in the letter.

A single staff member may have been affected at LSS.

A Lawnton State School letter informs that a staff member will self-isolate due to coronavirus concerns.

“I have been advised that a staff member has made a voluntary decision to self-isolate for 14 days after exposure with someone associated with the contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 and is currently awaiting test results,” LSS principal Leanne Matheson said.

“I have been liaising with the Department of Education and Queensland Health on this matter and there remains a low risk to our school. Queensland Health will advise our school if there is a confirmation in this case.”

However, a Department of Education spokesman said no students or staff tested positive for COVID-19 at either school.

The department could not say whether the individuals affected would return to school or continue with their self-isolation.

Minister Peter Dutton and USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill officially open USC Moreton Bay's foundation building at Petrie on March 9.

It comes as Member for Dickson and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton on Friday announced that he had contracted the virus.

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Mr Dutton attended the official opening of USC Moreton Bay on March 9.

Quest News does not suggest Mr Dutton knew of his illness at the time, nor that he may have come into contact with staff and students from the schools mentioned.

A Department of Education spokesman said state schools were implementing a stringent focus on hygiene.

“To help stop the spread of germs, soap and paper towel is available across state schools and students are being reminded to wash their hands regularly, especially before and after eating, and after going to the toilet,” the spokesman said.

“Principals are vigilant in ensuring all staff and students are alert to the heightened need for focused personal hygiene standards during this time and that school cleaning standards are maintained at the highest levels.

“Queensland Health continues to provide the most up to date advice on hygiene practices during this health situation.”