Covid-19

What will happen if there is a case of COVID-19 in our school

Stringent self-isolation is needed for those who display relevant symptoms of COVID-19, test positive for COVID-19, or are a household close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.

As noted recently by Dr Caroline McElnay, Director of Public Health:

Our experience in New Zealand and overseas with COVID-19 shows that it does not affect children and teens in the same way it does adults. Children and teens don't become as unwell if they do get infected, and they don't tend to pass the virus on so much as adults when in a classroom setting. Compared to other places, schools and early learning services are not environments where we have seen significant spread of COVID-19. Household members and work colleagues who are in close contact with people with COVID-19, are the most common sources of transmission.

Inevitably, however, when there are cases in the community, they will also appear in schools and early learning services. This is the process that the school will go though if there is a case of Covid.

Notifications from staff, students, parents or caregivers

If you or your child tests positive for COVID-19 please inform the school.

At Phase 3, only household close contacts need to isolate. Close contacts no longer need to isolate. If you get a notification from your workplace or through the NZ COVID Tracer app that you are a Close Contact, you should monitor your symptoms for 10 days. If you develop symptoms get a test, and you should isolate until you get your result.

If you live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are considered a Household Contact and will need to isolate for 10 days. You must get a test on Day 3 and Day 10 of your isolation. If you develop symptoms you should get a test sooner. If you are a Household Contact and you test positive, you will need to isolate for 10 days.

Will we close the school?

Closing our school is unlikely to happen and will only occur if we are under staffed.

Students are safe at school. Our strong mitigations like good air quality, mask wearing, sanitation, drop off and pick up systems all work well.

Wendy Kofoed

25.02.22