Dear KingsWay Community,
Please read the response from the Ministry of Health regarding the recent confirmed case of a parent of a Westlake Boys and Westlake Girls School.
Regards,
Graeme Budler
Executive Principal
Dear parent or caregiver
Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has confirmed a parent of two students - one at Westlake Boys High and one at Westlake Girls High - has been confirmed with coronavirus (COVID-19). While this is concerning for everyone, there is no risk to students, staff or others at the schools.
The whole household is in isolation at home, but the two students have not been infectious while they have been at school, and are not considered infectious now.
The children are completely well and have no symptoms. They are now staying home as a precaution, in case they develop the disease in the future. The parents have not visited the schools.
This disease is managed the same way as other infectious diseases, like mumps, where people who are close contacts – but do not have the disease – are kept away from others, in case they become contagious.
There will be high levels of anxiety amongst parents and students, and there will be commentary in social and other media.
Please understand that people are not considered at risk if they have been close to a contact – as the contact does not have the disease. Contacts of contacts do not have to take any action such as isolating themselves.
Please explain to your children that the students do not have COVID-19, and that they have not exposed anyone else to this virus. Please ask them not to post any information on social media as this could lead to bullying. Netsafe provides guidance on online behaviour.
If you would like more information, please visit the ARPHS’ or the Ministry of Health’s websites, or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
Please be assured there is no risk to the school communities from this case.
Auckland Regional Public Health Service