ST FRANCIS Xavier's College at Hamilton will reopen on Tuesday, after closing on Friday for contact tracing and deep cleaning.
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The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle said in a statement that Hunter New England Health had provided clearance for the school to reopen to the staff and students who had not been identified as one of the confirmed case's 120 close contacts.
"Identified close contacts of the confirmed case include both staff and students; they have been instructed by NSW Health to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of last possible contact (5 August)," the statement said.
"Identified close contacts will return to school at the end of their 14-day isolation period, Thursday 20 August, and only if not showing any symptoms of being unwell.
"Staff at the college are conscious that this is a challenging time for students as they come to terms with a major health matter, whilst also preparing for significant assessments."
SFX teachers were available to provide help online to students on Monday.
"They will also be working at this time to prepare learning opportunities for those who are unable to attend the college for face-to-face learning in the days ahead."
NSW reported 14 new cases on Monday morning.
The majority were linked to outbreaks in Sydney schools or childcare centres.
The Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT said in a statement it shared the concerns of Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant about older students, "many of whom have more in common behaviourally with adults than with their primary school aged counterparts, and so present higher risks of transmission both within and outside of the school gates".
The SFX case was a "household contact" of the St Pius X High Adamstown case announced last Wednesday and the case in his 20s announced on Thursday.
St Pius X reopened on Monday to staff and students not identified in the 140 close contacts after it was closed on Thursday and Friday.
Close contacts have been instructed to isolate for 14 days from the date of last possible contact - August 3 - and will return to school on August 18 and only if not showing symptoms of being unwell.
"Students who are self-isolating will be provided with ongoing support for home learning."
The diocese said the safety and wellbeing of staff and students was of "paramount importance".
"Both schools will continue to be vigilant in implementing the school's infection control procedures including daily cleaning in accordance with normal protocols, the promotion of healthy hygiene habits and the availability of hand sanitiser for staff and students to use while at school."
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