Coronavirus advice and information for AEU members

The coronavirus (COVID) pandemic is presenting unique and rapidly evolving challenges to all those working in public education. Your health and safety is the AEU’s highest priority at this time.

In situations like these, AEU members are at the heart of ensuring children and students are supported, and that their families have clear information about the operation of their places of education. We are endeavouring to ensure that you, our members, have the support and information you need.

Updated 27 July 2021

Schools

All government schools are to return to onsite learning from Wednesday 28 July, with COVIDSafe principles and infection control measures in place, outlined in the School Operations Guide.

Students should attend on-site. Students who are required to isolate or undertake home-based quarantine will be provided with materials to continue their learning remotely, until such time that they are permitted to return to school.

School staff should resume normal duties on-site. Some exceptions apply for medically vulnerable staff. Density quotient of one person per four square metre applies in non-student areas. 

Anyone 12 years and over must wear a fitted face mask whenever they leave their home, indoors or outdoors, unless lawful exception applies. Visitors to schools must wear face masks at all times. Masks must be carried at all times.

The use of Service Victoria QR codes for electronic record keeping is now mandatory in all schools to enable the effective contact tracing of any COVID-19 cases. This requirement will continue into Term 3 until further notice.

Schools are requested to exercise flexibility to enable staff to access vaccination appointments.

Please refer to the School Operations Guide for details of the changes.

Find the latest DET information for schools here.

Early childhood

All early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are permitted to remain open in accordance with the health advice.

ECEC staff are not required to wear face masks while educating or caring, but those who wish to do so can. Staff must wear face masks when not educating or caring. Visitors to ECEC services must wear face masks at all times.

Find the latest DET information for early childhood here.

TAFE & Adult Provision

TAFE, training, university and adult education providers are to return to onsite learning from Wednesday 28 July, with COVIDSafe principles and infection control measures in place.

Anyone 12 years and over must wear a fitted face mask whenever they leave their home, indoors or outdoors, unless lawful exception applies. Masks must be carried at all times.

Find the latest DET information for TAP here.

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More information

• Covid-safe plan for cleaning in early childhood settings [PDF]

AEU member emails

Schools

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Early childhood

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TAFE and Adult Provision

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All members

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Victorian State Government advice

Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Education and Training advice
Victorian TAFE Association

Other advice

If members have specific inquiries, they should email [email protected] or contact the AEU directly on 1800 AEU VIC (1800 238 842). Due to high demand, there could be a delay in replying to emails - however, we are working to respond as quickly as possible.

The union will update advice to members as the situation changes.