In this podcast, we’ll be reviewing the evidence base supporting the re-opening of schools and reviewing the risk mitigation strategies that will support return to school at this time. We’ll aim to tease out some of the issues that might surface over coming weeks and months and how we in our roles as primary care clinicians can support families to safely re-engage with this vital part of their child’s growth and development.Health Pathways update:Dr Kate Graham, GP editorInfectious Diseases Update and public health advice:Dr Raquel Cowan- Infectious Diseases Physician, Ballarat Health Services· Ballarat and surrounds Update· Public Health Unit updateA/Prof Deborah Friedman- Infectious Diseases Physician, Infection Prevention, Barwon Health and Vic DHHS· Barwon and surrounds Update· Review of Evidence: transmission and susceptibility in kids, schools and their role in transmissionDepartment of Education and Training Priorities and planning AdviceSpecial GuestDr Claire Tobin- Principal Health Adviser COVID-19 Deputy Co-ordinatorFor the Department of Education and Training,Key findings and recommendations from the MCRI report· COVID Safe Plan for Schools· Primary care role in Supporting families with decision making about school attendance/non-attendance· COVID 19 Outbreak response planQuestions (audio removed)PHN UpdateRowena Clift CEO of West Vic PHNRapid 5 Answers: Infectious Diseases Resources:-MCRI Report: COVID-19 in Victorian Schoolshttps://www.mcri.edu.au/news/covid-19-victorian-schools-and-childcare-mainly-driven-community-transmission-analysis-finds%C2%A0-Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Children and Adolescents Compared With AdultsA Systematic Review and Meta-analysishttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2771181ASCIA Management Planshttps://allergy.org.au/hp/ascia-plans-action-and-treatment/Recorded on Thursday 8th October, 2020Western Victoria PHN Project ECHO HubCOVI19 ECHO TeamBianca Forrester (Facilitator)Jemma Missbach, Natalie Love (ECHO Co-ordinators)Fiona Quigley, Workforce Management LeadWith support from Matt Dixon- Director of Special projects