South West schools in COVID test program

South West schools will be among the sites involved in a Statewide study to test for COVID-19 among asymptomatic students and staff.

Dalyellup Primary School and Collie Senior High School are two of 80 public schools taking part in the DETECT project, a study run by the State Government with the Telethon Kids Institute.

Dalyellup Primary School principal Alex Cameron said they were feeling positive about being involved in the project.

“I’ve had feedback from staff and parents about how happy they are to take part,” Mr Cameron said.

It brings our community peace of mind and confidence during this time.

Collie Senior High School principal Dale Miller said the school was happy to be part of the program.

“It helps our State move forward in the fight against COVID-19 and it provides reassurance to the community,” Mrs Miller said.

“We have all been working together, following restrictions to ensure the wellbeing of young people, our valuable workforce and our elders.

I have already had staff say they are happy to be tested and positive comments about the need to be part of more testing.

Participation is voluntary and will involve swab tests monthly, interviews and symptom diaries.

The study will also look at the psychosocial impacts of the virus.

“Testing people who do not have COVID symptoms from some of our key community sectors will help us better understand the health and economic impacts of this devastating virus,” Health Minister Roger Cook said.

“Our commitment to this study should provide the community with further reassurance that we are taking reasonable steps to detect undiagnosed COVID-19.”