Coronavirus - Update from the Ministry of Education to Schools.
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The Ministry of Education has asked all schools to inform their community the following information.
As you will have seen in the media the situation is rapidly evolving internationally concerning the coronavirus. We want to let you know as a community the latest advice that we have been given.
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.
We are starting back at school today and we are taking advice from the Ministry of Education to ask people who have been to China or who have been in contact with someone who has the Corona Virus to voluntarily stay away from school for 14 days. (From return to New Zealand or point of contact)
The health of students and staff is a priority for all, therefore it is important that we err on the side of caution.
As always anyone who is unwell should not be at school. 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.
Should the situation change or become more serious the Principal of a state school can preclude staff and students if it is believed on reasonable grounds they may have a communicable disease (Section 19 Education Act). The staff/student has to stay away for the infectious period of the specific disease.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Jeff Smith
Principal
