Kia ora koutou
As you will have seen in the media the situation concerning the coronavirus is rapidly evolving internationally.
In response to this we have been requested by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Health to err on the side of caution.
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.
As a result of this we therefore request that any students who have recently been to China or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with the virus, to remain at home for two weeks (14 days) from the arrival date back into New Zealand.
We ask that parents/caregivers call the student office to inform us of any student that will be absent due to having been in China or having had contact with someone confirmed with the virus.
As always, anyone who is unwell should not be at school.
If you have a particular concern about your child please contact Healthline at 0800 611 116 or your GP for medical advice.
We are currently working with staff individually and suggesting that any LA who has recently returned from a trip to China should stay at home on sick leave on the same basis as students above.
Meantime in a rapidly evolving situation, keep checking the MOE website and look for any messages from the MOE on your email.
http://www.education.govt.nz/news/novel-coronavirus/
The current advice regarding the advice is as follows.
- there are no confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV in New Zealand to date but the likelihood of importing a case is high
- the risk of an ongoing outbreak in New Zealand remains low, but the Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation closely
- if any public health measures are needed for this virus, the Ministry of Health will advise all schools
- should the situation change, as we do with other infectious diseases such as measles, mumps and influenza, we will follow our pandemic plan for managing the illness
- for those of you concerned about possible infection, the Ministry of Health has provided practical information on their website which we encourage you to read – Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) guidance – Ministry of Health website
- included in there is some advice (for travellers) to help reduce the general risk of infection:
- avoiding very close contact with people showing symptoms
- frequently washing hands
- avoiding close contact with sick live farm animals or wild animals
- practicing cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands)
- the Ministry of Health will continue to update that content, as further information becomes available
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Steven Mustor – Director