Latrobe City Council have been advised by a staff member, from the Moe Early Learning Centre, that they have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
The affected staff member last attended the the Moe Early Learning Centre on Friday 8 October. On that day the staff member was present during the hours of 8.30am – 5.30pm, where they worked across Rooms 1 and 2. The staff member started experiencing symptoms late Friday afternoon and proactively got tested.
We understand that this will be concerning for families whose children attend the Moe Early Learning Centre and to our staff. Since being advised of the staff members positive status, management has contacted families and staff who access and work at the Early Learning Centre.
Council would like to acknowledge the proactive response by our staff member. This has allowed Council to act on the advice ahead of formal notification, ensuring the safety of our community.
As a precautionary measure, in line with COVIDSafe practices, the Moe Early Learning Centre will be closed to all children and staff, tomorrow Friday 15 October. The closure will allow appropriate deep cleaning to occur.
We understand and acknowledge that this is a time of heightened anxiety for us all. We are committed to ensuring families and staff, who access the Moe Early Learning Centre, receive further information and updates as we receive them. Families will be kept informed as to when the service will resume. Council will await further advice from the Department of Health.
Following the advice of the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit, we encourage families and staff to remain vigilant – monitor for symptoms and continue practising COVIDSafe behaviours more diligently. There is no need for families or staff to get tested and isolate. People who are identified as a Primary Close Contact linked to a potential exposure site will be contacted by the Department of Health and given the necessary advice and information.
Our thoughts are with our staff member, who we wish a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming them back to the service once they’ve recovered.
