Victoria, NSW part ways on school coronavirus advice

Victorian students are being told to attend school, even if they have visited Wuhan, China, where the deadly coronavirus was first identified. But NSW students have received very different advice.

AS PUBLIC schools in Victoria today welcome students for the first day of Term 1, the Victorian Department of Education has reiterated its message about novel coronavirus fears.

Minister for Education James Merlino last night confirmed there was no reason to exclude children or staff who have travelled to Wuhan, China or any other regions where there have been reported cases.

“The advice from the Federal Government, the National and Victorian Chief Health Officer and the World Health Organisation has not changed,” Mr Merlino said.

“If you are well and have not been in contact with someone who has a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, you can attend school.

“This position was reiterated at a meeting of Australia’s Chief Medical Officer and all state and territory chief health officers this evening (Tuesday) and has been clearly communicated to schools.

“Any advice that contradicts this clear, consistent and expert medical advice creates confusion and frustration for parents.

“We continue to urge schools, parents, teachers and school staff to follow the advice of the experts when it comes to the novel coronavirus.”

His statement came after the NSW Department of Education broke from official Federal Government and Chief Health Officer advice yesterday, advising families who had visited China to keep children home from school for 14 days after their date of departure from the nation.

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NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said although the risk to children was low, the NSW Government had taken the step as a precautionary measure.

“I’ve been advised that it’s not medically necessary, but the NSW Government has acted in line with community expectations to ensure the safest possible environment for our students,” Mr Hazzard said.

Victorian public school parents received letters yesterday, explaining only students who had been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus or were showing flu-like symptoms should be excluded from classes.

In NSW there have been four confirmed cases of coronavirus, one of which is a university student.

In Victoria, there has been one confirmed case.

Globally, there have been 4593 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far, according to yesterday’s update by the World Health Organisation.

Cases have been diagnosed in 15 countries, including 14 in Thailand, seven in Singapore, six in Japan, five in Australia and five in the US.