WOOLGOOLGA Public School and Orara High School were closed to students and staff on Tuesday 26 October following news that there was a positive Covid-19 case in the school community.

Woolgoolga Public School announced to its school community over Facebook and via email on Monday evening that the NSW Department of Education had been advised by NSW Health that a member of the school community had tested positive for COVID-19.

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Orara High School followed shortly after, announcing its closure over Facebook early on Tuesday morning.

The news followed an announcement by the Mid North Coast Local Health District of seven new Covid-19 cases in the Coffs Harbour local government area on Monday and another ten new cases on Tuesday.

Some of these cases are believed to be in the Woolgoolga and Corindi Beach areas.

Woolgoolga Public School Principal Paul Clark stated on the school’s Facebook page on Monday evening that the school would be non-operational effective immediately for the on-site attendance of staff and students to allow time for contact tracing and cleaning.

“All staff and students are asked to self-isolate until you receive further advice,” Mr Clark stated.

“The NSW Department of Education will continue to work closely with NSW Health to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff is maintained.

“The safety and wellbeing of our staff and students is of paramount importance to us at all times.”

The school stated that it will continue to work closely with NSW Health to ensure that all necessary health advice is adhered to.

“While we recognise this will be disruptive and inconvenient for families, it is important that we follow NSW Health advice and take all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of further transmission to support our community,” the school said.

Orara High School called on its school community to be patient as the school awaited further official information and advice on the situation.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been unwell or if you develop any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the local COVID-19 testing clinics.

The Woolgoolga Covid-19 Testing Clinic is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.30pm at the CWA Rooms at 21 Beach Street, Woolgoolga.

For children under 6 years, visit the Coffs Harbour Base Hospital Emergency Department for testing.

The Coffs Harbour Drive-through Covid-19 Testing Clinic is located at Stadium Drive, C.ex Coffs International Stadium and is open from 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and from 8am to 2pm on the weekend.

Children under the age of five years will not be tested at this clinic and should attend their nearest ED or local GP so a full medical assessment can be undertaken.