Coronavirus precautions: Schools put boarders into isolation following advice from Queensland Health

Gold Coast schools have put a number of international boarders into isolation as a precaution following advice from Queensland Health.

GOLD COAST boarding schools are following advice from Queensland Health and isolating students living on campus.

Following current guidelines to isolate any individual who has returned from China for 14 days, All Saints Anglican School has prevented a number of boarding students from heading to class.

“We have absolutely been following the advice of Queensland Health and from the first day of school we have been requesting everyone in our school community at risk stays at home until they have had 14 symptom-free days on Australian soil,” a school spokeswoman said.

Currently 16 International House boarders, who are all in good health, have been isolated in the boarding house and are not attending school.

“In terms of precautions, students are wearing masks and those at risk have a separate dining room and study area,” the school spokeswoman said.

“We are checking their symptoms daily and maintaining regular contact with their families back at home.

“Our sick bay is fully equipped with all the protective equipment recommended by the Australian Department of Health should any of our boarders develop any symptoms.

“Our hearts go out to the students affected whose sole wish is to join their friends in the classroom and we are acutely sensitive to supporting their emotional wellbeing.

“Our community has been very appreciative of the precautionary measures that have been put in place and those affected have been very understanding and obliging of these requirements.”

The situation at St Hilda’s School in Southport is similar.

“St Hilda’s coronavirus response is in line with the latest advice from Queensland Health,” a spokesman for the school said.

“The safety and wellbeing of the St Hilda’s community is our priority at all times and we will continue to provide regular updates to parents and guardians as we receive information from the relevant authorities.”

All Saints Anglican School and St Hilda’s School are two of three boarding schools on the Gold Coast.