SAN Clemente High at Mayfield is closed for cleaning, after NSW Health told the Catholic Schools Office that a member of the school community has tested positive for COVID-19.
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The school said in a message on its Facebook page that the school would be "non operational" on Wednesday until further notice for students, staff, and visitors to allow time for contact tracing and cleaning.
All staff and students are asked to self-isolate until they receive further advice from NSW Health.
A Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle spokeswoman said on Wednesday evening the school had sent correspondence to the year nine student's close and casual contacts within the school community.
The spokeswoman said NSW Health had advised it would continue to follow up with close contacts.
The student's infectious period started on Thursday August 5, the most recent day they attended the school of 620 students.
The student travelled on August 5 Bus 6222 from Jesmond to Mayfield (7:45am - 8:10am), was wearing a facemask and sat alone.
People on the 6222 bus at this time are considered close contacts.
The student also travelled on Bus 6165 from Mayfield to Jesmond (2:55pm - 3:20pm), was wearing a facemask and sat alone. People on the 6165 bus at this time are considered close contacts.
"NSW Health has requested anyone who has been unwell or develops symptoms including a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics," the spokeswoman said.
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"Further information about COVID-19 is available on the NSW Government website
"The safety and wellbeing of our staff and students is of paramount importance.
"The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will continue to work closely with NSW Health to ensure all necessary health advice is adhered to.
"While the Diocese recognises this will be disruptive and inconvenient for families, it is important that we follow NSW Health advice and take all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of further transmission to support our community."
The school is one of several that has reported cases over the past week in students, staff, or other members of their community.
Fennell Bay Public School is also closed today after a student tested positive.
There have been three cases tied to Maitland Christian School, four to Lake Munmorah Public School, three to Morisset High, one to Jesmond Public and one to Shortland Public.
The University of Newcastle has five cases tied to its International House.
More to come
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
