Coronavirus: Update on self-isolation, sanitizer, streaming of lectures – 20 March 2020

In this update:

• Self-isolation parameters
• Hand sanitizer and campus cleaning
• Pilot for live-streaming of large lectures

We’ve had several queries around self-isolation and whether other household residents should take precautions or self-isolate themselves. Please refer to the Ministry of Health guidelines around self-isolation – follow common sense steps to avoid close contact with other people as much as possible, as you would with the seasonal flu virus.

Additional cleaning has taken place at both our campuses and we really appreciate the extra work our contractors have done in this area.

We have managed to track down a small stock of hand sanitizer for student common areas. If you need some for these areas log an FM job. And we have joined forces with our colleagues in EAS to come up with an alternative to hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Lab technicians will be creating our own in-house version (under strict H&S guidelines), which will be available in refillable 125ml spray bottles. Please refer to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention statement on the recommended use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, as part of the emergency response to COVID-19.

We’ll be running a pilot of live-streaming large lectures from tomorrow, with a view to minimising large gatherings and respecting social distancing.  More detailed information will be sent to relevant teachers and students.

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What you can do to look after yourself

As outlined above everyone can help by ensuring good health etiquette – washing hands for twenty seconds, sneezing into your arm and not touching your face.

Feeling unwell?

Stay at home if you’re feeling unwell – don’t put youurself or others at risk.

Call Healthline – 0800 358 5453 or phone ahead to your GP or medical centre if you’re feeling unwell, and they’ll advise on what you should do.

Check the official websites

Keep a daily check on the official websites:

• Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 website
• Ministry of Health
• Ministry of Education
• For student concerns about visas, follow the guidance given on the Immigration New Zealand website
• World Health Organisation

Our Nest updates and communications

Go to our Nest Health & Safety page for updates and advice. All communications are also listed below:

• Coronavirus: Update 19 March 2020
• Coronavirus: Update 13 March 2020
• Coronavirus: Update 9 March 2020
• Coronavirus: Update 6 March 2020
• Coronavirus: Update 2 March 2020
• Coronavirus: Update 25 February – Further extension on travel restrictions
• Coronavirus: Update 21 February 2020
• Coronavirus: Update 10 February 2020
• Coronavirus: Update 5 February 2020
• Coronavirus: Update 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