COVID-19 Student Update
SWTAFE has acted quickly and implemented our COVID response plan to identify if any SWTAFE staff, students or contractors may have been impacted by this incident.
We have not been made aware of any risk of exposure to SWTAFE at this point in time. The Department of Health continue with contact tracing interviews and any further exposure sites will be listed on the WDHS and Department of Health websites.
Hamilton COVID cases
Western District Health Service (WDHS) has been advised of two Melbourne workers who were employed at Hamilton’s Pedrina Park Pavilion construction site, who have tested positive in Melbourne.
Pedrina Park Pavilion construction site is listed as a Tier 1 exposure site on September 15 and 16 between 7am and 5.30pm, and anyone who has been to a Tier 1 site must get tested and isolate for 14 days from the date of exposure, regardless of test result. Staff and any trades associated with the site have quickly isolated and presented for testing at the WDHS drive-through clinic. WDHS are also opening a mass-testing clinic at the Hamilton Showgrounds.
Keep up to date on Hamilton exposure sites
We strongly encourage you to monitor risk locations where you may have been exposed.
WDHS are listing the exposure sites that have been identified in Hamilton. Click here to view the list of Tier 1 and Tier 2 exposure sites.
The Department of Health (DoH) is also actively identifying and updating its list of public exposure sites across Victoria.
It is vital that our community follows the DoH guidelines for testing and isolation: if you have visited a public exposure site during the times listed and/or if you are experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, please test and isolate until further direction is provided.
It is also vital that if you or a close contact have visited a public exposure site and visited one of our campuses that you notify the Incident Response Team via email: Incident ResponseTeam@swtafe.edu.au
What we can do to ensure we stay COVID safe
This local incident reminds us all of the risks that COVID could present itself anywhere. It’s therefore critical that our COVIDSafe plans and protocols continue to be adhered to, which includes (but not limited to):
- Mask wearing for students remains essential
- Everyone approved to enter a campus should be utilising the QR code. Contact tracing is critical to the control of outbreaks so we remind all students to ensure daily adherence to this important process.
- Hand hygiene remains critical to lowering your risk so please use hand sanitiser or thoroughly wash your hands regularly
- Maintain social distancing
- Get tested if you have any symptoms
COVID Vaccinations at SWTAFE
The Government are now very clear with their message - that getting vaccinated is our way out of this pandemic. We continue to encourage all staff and students to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible – do not wait!
It’s great to see that we now have 56% of the SWTAFE workforce who have had their second vaccination and 22% who have had their first vaccination.
All Victorians are encouraged where possible to book their vaccination appointment online or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
We’ll keep you updated
As ever, we will communicate swiftly and accurately with our SWTAFE community.
Stay well.
Best regards,
Mark Fidge
CEO