Ministry of Education Advice to school communities
Staying home if sick
Anyone who feels unwell should stay at home (or go home) and seek advice about getting tested for COVID-19 from Healthline or their GP.
You’ll find up-to-date information about symptoms to look for on the Ministry of Health website.
The majority of children and young people with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will not have COVID-19 and you may see similar symptoms in children with asthma, hay fever, allergies, ear infections or other acute or chronic conditions.
While caution remains a priority, before a child is sent home there should always be a conversation with the caregiver or the student to determine whether there is another explanation for the symptoms that may mean that they do not pose a risk to others and do not need to go home.
As we come into the allergy season, it is a timely reminder for parents and caregivers to provide schools/kura relevant information on any allergies or conditions that may show similar signs and symptoms with COVID-19.