Novel Coronavirus Update #1

Dear Parents and Whanau

Below is the current information we have received from the Ministry of Education about the Coronavirus.

As you will have seen in the media the situation is rapidly evolving internationally concerning the coronavirus. 

This is a new virus and its specific nature is currently unclear, however it appears that you can have the virus at an early stage and not be showing any symptoms.  This incubation period is currently considered to be 14 days.  

Children and young people are currently returning to classrooms.  The health of students and staff is a priority for all.  We encourage you to err on the side of caution and here are some steps you can take.

As always anyone who is unwell should not be at school or at their early learning service. If you have a particular concern about any child, student or staff member, please urge parents or the staff member to contact Healthline at 0800 611 116 or their GP for medical advice. Healthline has translators and interpreters available 24/7 in 150 languages and they do have Mandarin and Cantonese speaking staff available.

For any staff member or student who may be at high risk of exposure because they have recently been to China or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with the virus, the staff member or parent/caregiver of the student should delay the start of their school year for 14 days and voluntarily stay away.

 Please keep an eye on our website, as we will be updating this as new information is received.

You can also contact your local District Health Board if you require further information – Public Health Unit Contacts

The Ministry of Education is working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that you have the most relevant information to inform your planning in regard to the potential risks associated with the coronavirus and information is now on our website – http://education.govt.nz/news/novel-coronavirus/
 
Current travel information – please do continue to refer to the Ministry of Health’s information page on their website.  It will be updated as new information comes to hand. Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) guidance – Ministry of Health website
 
If you have students or staff about to travel to China – we urge you to visit the MFAT https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/ for updates on travel advice and restrictions.

School’s do not hold information as to where families have travelled over the holiday break. We ask that any families who have travelled to China over this period please contact their doctor or the Ministry of Health to ascertain when their child can come to school. As for any students who are not attending due to ill health, please notify the school office of the child’s absence and the reason why.

Any information we receive from the Ministry of Education will be communicated to parents through newsletters or notices which come through at 6 pm on the days they are posted on the website.

Ka manaakitia kotou e te Atua

Alister Bridgman

Tumuaki