National

Vic RAT scheme detects 150 school cases

By AAP Newswire

Feb 2, 2022

Rapid Antigen Tests. — Rapid testing detected 150 COVID-19 cases in Victoria's schools on the first day of classes resuming -AAP Image

Victoria's rapid testing surveillance regime in schools has already detected 150 COVID-19 cases but the state government maintains the system is working.

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About 100 students and 50 staff from 121 schools across the state returned a positive rapid result on Monday, as most pupils returned to classes for term one.

The state government is "strongly" recommending primary and secondary students and staff undergo twice-weekly rapid antigen tests at home before school, with those at specialist schools asked to test five days a week.

Education Minister James Merlino forewarned the return of classes would lead to increased cases and schools were in for a bumpy first few weeks.

With one million students and 110,000 staff in Victoria's school system, a state government spokeswoman said the new cases made up a low proportion of the community.

"The low but consistent statewide detection of cases through our school rapid testing program shows how important this initiative is in catching cases before they enter the classroom to keep school communities safer," she said in a statement.

"All affected schools managed their cases incredibly well, with clear emails to families alerting them to a positive case and the details of the exposure so parents can monitor their students for symptoms and make their own public health decisions."

Six million RATs were delivered to schools by Monday, enough for a fortnight, with 14 million tests to arrive over the first four weeks of the term.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press