Coronavirus: St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas, closed March 11
A Sydney school where two students tested positive to coronavirus will extend its shutdown period— and the number of students in close contact with them has been revealed.
Parramatta
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St Patrick’s Marist College at Dundas will remain closed on Wednesday, March 11 following two confirmed cases of the coronavirus yesterday.
The Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta said 150 students were in close contact with the two Year 10 pupils.
The school shut on Monday after the 14-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl tested positive to COVID-19.
Their fathers, both in their 50s, have also been diagnosed.
These cases were found as part of the investigation of an ongoing cluster associated with Defence personnel and links to the Dorothy Henderson Aged Care Facility and Ryde Hospital.
The pupils did not attend school yesterday after their cases were confirmed at the weekend. They were last at the school, which has almost 1000 students, on Friday.
The diocese issued a media statement today advising of the extended closure.
“The two students who have been diagnosed will remain isolated for an appropriate period,’’ the statement said.
“Representatives from NSW Health are working to help identify other students or staff who had close contact with two students in Year 10 who have COVID-19.
“Close contacts will need to self-isolate for 14 days.”
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The school said students who could not attend school because of self-isolation would be able to receive their learning programs at home including through Google classroom.
Assessment tasks have been temporarily postponed.
“The college is keeping families updated as further information becomes available,’’ the statement said.
“Expert advice about hygiene has also been provided and specialist cleaning has taken place at the college today.
“Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta will continue to work with NSW Health to prioritise student and staff health and wellbeing.”