Media statement

Date: 22 July 2020

Statement:

On Tuesday 21 July, Elwood Children’s Centre was notified that we have a confirmed case of Coronavirus at the centre. 

Our management team made the decision to enact our positive COVID test procedure, which involved asking families to collect their children immediately, and then closing the centre for deep cleaning. All children were collected within two hours of receiving the notification.

We have been informed by DHHS that they will contact trace from the positive case and inform any families and staff who are considered to have been in close contact with that person. Close contacts will then be required to undertake a period of quarantine, to be advised by DHHS.

As of this morning all staff who attended the centre last week have been tested and are awaiting results.

We have also encouraged all Elwood Children Centre families to get tested and self-isolate if they experience any symptoms.

While DHHS advised that they do not require us to close the centre at this time, we have made the decision to do so out of concern for families, staff and the wider community. The centre will remain closed until contact tracing has been completed and until we are satisfied that it is safe to re-open.

For privacy reasons we will not be publicly disclosing any details about the person who has tested positive.

Elwood Children’s Centre is a small, close-knit community run childcare centre and kindergarten. We have strong ties with the local Elwood community and our priority is the safety and wellbeing of all those connected with our centre, including our wonderful staff, families and wider community.

We acknowledge this is a difficult time for everyone at the centre. We are offering support to staff and families will not be charged fees while the centre is closed.

For further enquiries please email natalierwillis@gmail.com

----- END ----