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Melbourne school closed after two students test positive to coronavirus

A southeast Melbourne primary school has been closed after two students tested positive for coronavirus.

Two students from Pakenham Springs Primary School tested positive and are both from the same family, according to a Victorian Department of Education spokesperson.

While the school undergoes thorough cleaning and risk assessment, staff and students have been advised to stay at home, according to an email which appears to have been sent to parents and carers by the school’s acting principal Renee Cotterell.

Melbourne's Pakenham Springs Primary School was closed after two students test positive for coronavirus.
A Melbourne school has been closed after two students test positive for coronavirus. Source: Google Maps

In the email, Ms Cotterell said the school would be closed on Monday following advice from Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Education.

“Students and staff who have attended the school are required to remain at home while contact tracing occurs,” Ms Cotterell wrote in the email, adding parents and carers would be informed when contact tracing was completed.

“I understand this news may be concerning. I want to assure you we are strictly following the public health advice of DHHS to ensure the safety of all staff and students.”

The Department of Education spokesperson confirmed the school's closure in a statement to Yahoo News Australia

“Further investigations are being undertaken this morning by DHHS, the school and DET to identify whether any staff or students are required to self-isolate, and to determine any further actions required to reduce the risk of infection,” the spokesperson said.

“We wish the students a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming them back to school once they’ve recovered.”

Both primary schools and high schools have returned to campuses for face-to-face learning in Victoria, whereas university, TAFE and adult education students are being advised to study remotely when possible.

The news comes just a day after Victoria announced coronavirus restrictions would be eased from 11.59pm on June 21.

On Sunday, Victoria reported nine new cases of coronavirus.

In Sydney, health authorities are continuing to investigate how a teacher at a southern Sydney primary school contracted coronavirus.

Laguna Street Public School has been shut until June 24, with all of its students told to learn from home and self-isolate.

With AAP

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