Update from the Ministry of Education to Schools
Kia Ora Redwood whanau. We hope you had a safe and happy break over Christmas and the New Year. We are looking forward to seeing you all next week.
Please see the following information from the Ministry of Education regarding Coronavirus.
The New Zealand Government says it is alert to the issue but not to be alarmed. The Ministry of Health advises the risk of an outbreak in New Zealand is low, but it is monitoring the situation closely. It will advise if any public health measures become necessary.
Please contact the school if you have questions or concerns. We will keep you updated as more information comes to hand.
The Redwood Team.
Tēnā koutou
As you will have seen in the media the situation is rapidly evolving internationally concerning the coronavirus.
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.
Children and young people are currently returning to classrooms. The health of students and staff is a priority for all. I encourage you to err on the side of caution and here are some steps you can take.
As always, anyone who is unwell should not be at school or at their early learning service. If you have a concern, please contact the 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.
If a student still attends school while showing symptoms the Principal of a state school can preclude them if they believe on reasonable grounds they may have a communicable disease (Section 19 Education Act). The student has to stay away for the infectious period of the specific disease.
Iona Holsted
Secretary for Education
Other useful information
You can also contact your local District Health Board if you require further information – Public Health Unit Contacts
The Ministry of Education is working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that you have the most relevant information to inform your planning in regard to the potential risks associated with the coronavirus and information is now on our website - http://education.govt.nz/news/novel-coronavirus/
Current travel information – please do continue to refer to the Ministry of Health’s information page on their website. It will be updated as new information comes to hand. Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) guidance – Ministry of Health website
For families/ students about to travel to China – we urge you to visit the MFAT https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/ for updates on travel advice and restrictions.