Health Notice

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected people from many countries around the world. There are lots of people talking about it and it can be difficult to understand all the information you are hearing and seeing. It is most important to be aware and informed, but not alarmed.

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness which affects your nose, throat and lungs. If you are sick with coronavirus your symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

The virus spreads between people when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes. You may also catch the virus from contaminated surfaces via droplets on your hands and then transferring them to your mouth, nose or eyes when you touch your face or eat.

Advice provided to Education Queensland schools is as follows:

If your child develops flu-like symptoms, please:

• keep your child at home;
• avoid close contact with others such as touching, kissing or hugging, or any mass gatherings, especially those involving other children;
• see a doctor or contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) immediately;
• seek medical advice if your child has other underlying medical conditions; and
• call ahead to the medical centre or doctor’s surgery, advising of your child’s symptoms.

At Pacific, we are continuing to reinforce to students the importance of observing high standards of hygiene. It is important for you to continue to encourage your children to:

• Wash their hands regularly with soap and water, particularly before and after eating and after going to the toilet. Washing hands often and properly means that you can protect yourself and prevent contamination.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap is unavailable.
• Be mindful of cough etiquette. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue (which should be disposed of immediately) or the inside of their elbow. Try to stay at least 1.5 metres away from people who are coughing or sneezing.

Thank you for your support of community wellbeing and student awareness of the additional need for strong health and hygiene practices during this time.

Mrs Maree Hooper and Mrs Sharon Middleton, College Nurses