We are living in interesting and challenging times ... Wellington into Level 2 and that's a timely reminder that we all need to be taking Level 1 seriously. I have included two health alerts received from the Ministry of Education for your information.

HEALTH Alert  – Christchurch

Community and Public Health have noted an increase in the number of gastrointestinal illness cases reported in schools and Early Childhood Education centres.

This communication is to highlight the increased possibility of children and teachers developing symptoms. Children and teachers who develop vomiting and/or diarrhoea should not attend school and can return once they have been symptom free for 48 hours.

COVID Alert Level 1 – all of New Zealand excluding Wellington region

If you have anyone in your community who was at one of these locations and at the times specified on the Ministry of Health website, they will need to follow the relevant instructions which will include staying at home and getting tested for COVID-19 (five days after last exposure to the confirmed case).

For those people in a household with someone identified as a contact or close contact, they should follow the advice provided by health authorities for that individual. If unsure what to do, contact Healthline (0800 358 5453) for guidance.

Everyone else will need to continue to follow the public health requirements we are very familiar with, at all alert levels:

• Stay home (or go home) if you are unwell.
• If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to see if you need a test.
• Wear face coverings on public transport and domestic flights, and you are encouraged to do the same when travelling by taxi or similar.
• Keep up your good hygiene practices (washing hands, cough/sneeze etiquette).
• Keep track of where you have been.

• Unite against COVID-19