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.

Based on the latest advice from the Ministry of Health, our advice to you has now been amended:

“The Government is placing temporary entry restrictions into New Zealand on all foreign nationals travelling from, or transiting through mainland China to assist with the containment of the novel coronavirus and to protect New Zealand and the Pacific Islands from the disease.

This will take effect from tomorrow (Monday 3rd February, and will be in place for up to 14 days. This position will be reviewed every 48 hours.

Any foreign travellers who leave or transit through mainland China after 2 February 2020 (NZ time) will be refused entry to New Zealand.

Any foreign travellers in transit to New Zealand on 2 February 2020 will be subject to enhanced screening on arrival but, pending clearance, will be granted entry to New Zealand.

New Zealand citizens and permanent residents returning to New Zealand will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members, but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival back in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also raised its travel advice to New Zealanders for all of mainland China to “Do not travel”, the highest level.”

Please continue to refer to the Ministry of Health website for health advice and the latest information:

Everyone’s health and wellbeing, including international students’, is important to us. While there are no confirmed or suspected cases in New Zealand at the moment, the Ministry of Health continues to encourage a precautionary approach and a focus on good hygiene. Please err on the side of caution and be alert, not alarmed.

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