COVID-19 UPDATE FOR STUDENTS
15 February 2023
COVID-19 Vaccination for students in healthcare work place settings
Please be aware that COVID-19 vaccination is an employment requirement for many healthcare providers. NRTAFE students undertaking work placements or who are required to attend a healthcare or community setting as part of their studies are advised to check directly with the healthcare provider regarding their policy settings around vaccination and proof of vaccination requirements.
18 August 2022
Free RAT program for students
To help keep Western Australians safe during the winter respiratory illness season, TAFE students and staff can now collect up to 20 free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) on campus.
Offered through the State Government’s Free RAT Program, the free RATs can be picked up one of the following collection points, while stocks last.
Campus |
Collection Point |
| Karratha | Administration / Client Services Building |
| Pundulmurra (South Hedland) | Administration / Client Services Building |
| Kununurra | Administration / Client Services Building |
| Broome | Administration / Client Services Building |
| Derby | Administration / Client Services Building |
If you are based at one of our other campuses, RATs will be delivered upon your request.
Let's work together to keep our fellow students and ourselves safe. Head to the reception at your campus to collect your tests and find out any additional info you may need.
A reminder that the RATs are packed individually, so it’s a good idea to bring a bag to collect them.
Remember!
RATs are a quick and convenient way to detect COVID-19 as it happens and to help you protect yourself and others.
It is possible to be re-infected with COVID-19, so keeping RATs at home is recommended in case you start to feel unwell and need to get tested.
It is important to remember that close contacts with no symptoms can leave isolation if they complete a daily RAT (and receive a negative result), wear a mask when outside the home, and avoid high-risk settings.
It is mandatory for people who return a positive RAT to register their result online (external link) with the Department of Health. Those who do not have access to the online registration system must still report their positive test result by contacting 13 COVID (13 26843).
Want more information?
Information and advice on the COVID-19 coronavirus is available on the WA.gov.au website.
For TAFE enquiries, contact info@nrtafe.wa.edu.au 1300 300 822
8 June 2022
Phasing out of WA's public Health Measures
On 1 June 2022, the Premier announced a phasing out of WA’s COVID-19 public health measures including changes to the mandatory vaccination policy for workers.
The changes mean that from Friday 10 June 2022 the majority of Western Australian workers will no longer need to be vaccinated to attend previously mandated workplaces.
However, workers in the following sectors must still be triple dose vaccinated to be able to enter their workplace:
- Healthcare and health support workers in hospitals and primary health care settings
- Workers in residential aged care
- Workers in residential disability settings.
What courses require mandatory vaccination at NR TAFE?
The courses which require you to be fully vaccinated to undertake mandatory work placement are:
| CHC33015- Certificate III in Individual Support | Work placement is required |
| CHC43015- Certificate IV in Ageing Support | Work placement is required |
| HLT54115- Diploma of Nursing | Work placement is required |
| CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education | Work placement is required |
| CHC50121 Diploma in Early Childhood Education | Work placement is required |
As indicated above, the industry associated with the work placement or live works is still required to have a COVID vaccinated workforce(opens in a new tab) . If you are enrolled in one of these courses, please ensure you keep your vaccination evidence updated in the student portal where it will be securely stored.
If you do not supply evidence, you will not be able to undertake the work placement or “live works” component of your course, which may prevent you from completing your course.
Please note you may also be asked to show this evidence to an employer during your work placement, if applicable.
For further information and assistance please visit:
o Western Australian Government(opens in a new tab)
o Australian Government Department of Health(opens in a new tab)
o Health Direct(opens in a new tab) has frequently asked questions, and a symptom checker
o HealthyWA (opens in a new tab)
o For details regarding travel restrictions and international travel, visit the Home Affairs website(opens in a new tab) . There is also information available on the Smart Traveller website(opens in a new tab) .
o For free advice and assistance, call the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Our ongoing approach to COVID-19
NR TAFE's current protocol for delivery includes undertaking of risk assessments, following a risk mitigation guideline and a checklist prior to delivery. These include preventative and control measures, such as:
- Adhering to social distancing where practical
- Having hand sanitiser readily available (on campus, in classrooms and at events)
- Maintaining good hygiene including hand washing
- Regular cleaning of classrooms and facilities
- Ensuring students and staff stay home if unwell
- Inducting students on updated practices and procedures
Visitors, including students, are required to check in via the Safe WA app or form when visiting North Regional TAFE campuses, canteen facilities, student accommodation, hair and beauty facilities, and Jobs and Skills Centres.