COVID-19 Update The Australian Government yesterday added Italy to the list of travel restrictions, alongside China, Iran and South Korea. These extended measures again serve to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission in Australia. Given that this is a dynamically changing and complex situation with an evolving level of responsiveness across all levels of government, it is imperative that I keep you appraised of the most up-to-date advice that we receive. If you are considering private international travel plans over the holiday break, please make informed decisions based on your personal circumstances in relation to your own health risk and after consideration of the Australian Government’s travel advisory information available online at Smart Traveller. As I indicated in the letter sent on Monday, 9 March the need for good personal hygiene remains imperative, both at home and at school.  Below is the list of recommendations from health organisations to reduce the spread of the virus.  This was in the letter I sent out on Monday, also.     If you or a family member has a compromised respiratory or immune system, self-quarantine is the safest option if there is confirmed case of COVID-19 at the school.   Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and dry well with paper towel or air dryer.  Avoid touching your face. Avoid shaking hands and/or kissing hello. Cough and sneeze into a tissue and place it in a bin, or use the inside of your arm at the elbow if a tissue isn’t available. Don’t sneeze or cough into your hands.  Stay at home if you have cold or flu symptoms. Consider a flu vaccination (note – flu vaccinations won’t be available until mid-April at the earliest).  We have discussed these with the students and junior students were also shown a cartoon clip from Brain Pop. Please continue to reference updated COVID-19 information on the Queensland Health website or Australian Government website. These sites are being progressively updated and it is important to continue to stay in touch with the latest information. Read the full newsletter here.