The Coronavirius will have an enormous effect on the Australian community over coming weeks. We’ve put together this guide to help Catholic school communities ensure they are doing all they can to minimise the impact of the virus and support people who are affected.
SCHOOL CLOSURES
The National Catholic Education Commission notes that at this stage, the current advice is for all Australian schools to stay open and operational.
National Catholic Education Commissioner Executive Director Jacinta Collins notes, ‘The first priority for all Catholic schools is the health and safety of our students and staff, and as such, the Catholic sector is monitoring and responding quickly to the advice of federal, state and territory governments and medical authorities as the situation develops.’
The NCEC notes that as of 18 March, the current advice for school communities is:
- Individuals who have returned from overseas should self-isolate for 14 days and show no symptoms before returning to school or work
- Individuals who have been in direct, close contact with a confirmed case should self-isolate for 14 days and show no symptoms before returning to school or work - health authorities will advise parents and staff if they, or their children, are considered a direct, close contact of a confirmed case
- Students and staff should be made aware of social distancing and hygiene procedures
- There should be no non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 or more people, including school assemblies or excursions outside of the community
- No groups of students should visit aged care facilities or attend other facilities in the local community (e.g. hospitals) where there are elderly people or people with underlying health conditions
CORONAVIRUS (from the World Health Organization)
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. COVID-19 has mutated so it now spreads from human to human. Because its mutated from a zoonotic virus humans have no known immunity and doctors have no known medicines for it.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
BASIC PROTECTIVE MEASURES (from the World Health Organization)
Wash your hands frequently
One of the most important things you can do to minimise your risk of infection is wash your hands. Washing our hands with soap and water for 20 seconds can remove microbes from our skin and disrupts the outer membrane of most viruses and bacteria. Substitute alcohol-based hand sanitisers if you can’t wash your hands.
Click here to see how one teacher used creativity and pepper to explain the importance of washing of hands.
Maintain social distancing
Keep at least one metre between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. While you should avoid touching your face, most of us don’t even know we do it, so keeping your hands clean is very important.
Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Avoid physical contact when greeting
Safe greetings include a wave, nod or a bow. People have ditched the handshake for the elbow bump or the foot tap.
Protect your mental health
Many in school communities may be suffering from anxiety during what is a stressful time.
Limit your consumption of social and traditional media. When you do read about it, ensure you go to reputable websites – the WHO, government announcements – and not get sidetracked by the latest conspiracy theory.
Beyond Blue has some helpful advice for taking care of people’s mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.
This video, also from Beyond Blue, has some tips on talking to children during times of high anxiety.
See also, this video from psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg for parents.
In addition, many families may find themselves in financial hardship during the shutdown period, as workplaces cut hours and casual staff find themselves without work. School communities might want to consider how they will support these families in their midst directly, or support other families through organisations such as Vinnies. Those with the ability to do so might consider donating directly to Vinnies, who will be experiencing many more calls on their support at this time.
ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE
History has shown that fast and immediate closing of public places has helped in the past pandemics which is why events have been cancelled, gyms and libraries have closed and governments have been asking people to work from home where possible and isolate themselves to prevent the spread of the disease.
See the Australian Government Department of Health and the WHO for information on isolation and quarantine.
If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
Australian Catholics has a number or learning resources and activities.
FAITH MATTERS
Finally, here are some helpful prayer resources for students and staff reflections:
Pope Francis prays for families under lockdown: (prayer reflection available).
A coronavirus prayer
A reflection on the pandemic
See Brendan Nicholl’s Faith Matters – The Word.