Further to our earlier posts, we’re continuing to take a precautionary approach to the coronavirus situation in order to safeguard our staff and students, and to ensure the least amount of disruption to studies as possible. Here are some further updates:
> Extension of Travel Restrictions
The New Zealand Government announced over the weekend that temporary restrictions on travel from or via China will remain in place.
The restrictions, which prevent foreign nationals travelling from, or transiting through, mainland China from entering New Zealand have been extended for a further 8 days. This position will be reviewed every 48 hours.
New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family returning to New Zealand will continue to be able to enter, but are being told to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.
Please refer to the press release issued by New Zealand’s Minister of Health Hon. Dr David Clark about this extension.
Our Te Puna Ako team is in direct contact with teaching staff to offer guidance around the use of digital learning tools to support their students remotely who are either in self-isolation or waiting to travel. So far, we aware of eight domestic students in self-isolation in Auckland and three still in China. We have identified 113 International students offshore, and are in regular contact with all of them.
> Increased Health & Safety Inspections
We are adding increased signage in bathrooms at both our campuses to remind people of the importance of washing and drying hands thoroughly. We are also stepping up our cleaning and inspections in bathroom areas to twice daily. If you notice that supplies have run out, please notify the Health & Safety team immediately.
> Advice on health and wellness and financial support
Check out the information sheet on the Ministry of Health website outlining the types of support available and where you can get help.
The EDUCATION.govt.nz website also contains up-to-date information on pastoral care, visas, accommodation issues, etc.
Please note that the first port of call for any health-related advice should be the Ministry of Health website.
Previous updates and info published on the Nest:
- Coronavirus: Update – Monday 10 February 2020
- Coronavirus: Update – Wednesday 5 February 2020
- Coronavirus: Update – Tuesday 4 February 2020
- FAQs: Updated as at 3 February 2020
- Coronavirus: What you need to know to protect yourself and our students – 29 January 2020