Background 1. Rationale The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) undertook an analysis of the global literature and available Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and school outbreak data, 25 January 2020 – 31 August 2020, from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in order to guide future policy decisions and any operational COVID-19 research required. The MCRI explored key questions provided by the Department of Education and training (DET) and DHHS relating to transmission of SARSCoV-2 in ECEC and schools and the impact of public health actions on curbing transmission. This report outlines what is known about the direct and indirect effects of SARS-CXoV-2 on children and adolescents; what is known globally about the role of ECEC and schools in SARS-CoV-2 transmission; describes what other countries are doing in terms of school mitigation measures; and provides recommendations for opening up ECEC and schools safely. In Victoria, ECECs and schools have adopted SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies in line with broader statewide strategies (Figure 6). DET has supported ECECs and schools to respond to and minimise the risk of infection since the beginning of the pandemic. DET works with DHHS to provide guidance to ECEC and schools in line with advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, and support the response to confirmed cases and outbreaks. Guidance and other supports provided to schools have been updated throughout the year to respond to the changing epidemiology and evidence regarding SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The earliest school specific strategy occurred on 24 March 2020, when Term 1 ended early to allow school staff time to plan for flexible learning that was to commence in Term 2. When school returned in Term 2, only students of essential services personnel and vulnerable children attended face-to-face learning; all other students learnt from home. Staggered return to school commenced on 25 May when students in prep, grades 1, 2 and years 11 and 12 returned to face-to-face learning. All other students returned on 9 June. When students returned for Term 3, metropolitan Melbourne was in Stage 3 restrictions and only years 11 and 12 returned to face-to-face learning. On 6 August, Stage 4 restrictions were implemented in Metropolitan Melbourne and all Victorian students returned to remote learning, with a smaller list of essential workers permitted to send their child to school. On 6 September, the Victorian Government announced the Roadmap to Reopening that included plans for easing restrictions and level of transmission at which students can return to face-to-face learning. A staggered return to face-to-face learning occured across Melbourne for Term 4. In regional and rural parts of Victoriaspecialist schools and primary school students returned to face to face learning from week 1 (5 October); with all other year levels returning in week 2 (12 October). In metropolitan parts of Victoria, specialist schools, prep to year 7 and years 11 and 12 students will return to face to face learning in week 2 (12 October), with the remaining years returning in week 4 (26 October). ECEC services remained open throughout Stage 2 and Stage 3 restrictions in Victoria. Prior to August 6, ECECs recorded significantly reduced attendance resulting from parental decisions rather than Government policy. In rural and regional Victoria, ECEC services remained open throughout the year. On August 6 when Stage 4 restrictions were implemented in Metropolitan Melbourne, all ECEC in Metropolitan Melbourne also closed, except for children of essential service workers and children considered vulnerable. In Metropolitan Melbourne ECEC services were open to all children from 28 September. Guidance provided to schools includes advice on transmission reduction strategies, adjustments to school operations and managing suspected and confirmed cases. The DET has also provided advice to schools on the use of Personal Protective Equipment and additionally supported government schools through the development of a COVIDSafe Plan for Schools. The DET has provided mental health and wellbeing support for students and school staff with resources to support their own and students’ mental health and wellbeing. COVID-19 in Victorian Schools | 16
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