The move to Phase 3 at 11:59pm tonight introduces some significant changes.
As per the government’s announcement this afternoon, New Zealand will move into Phase 3 at 11:59 tonight, Thursday 24 February.
What this means for our school community
At Phase 3, close contacts no longer need to isolate — unless they have symptoms. If you are informed, or believe, that you are a close contact, you should monitor your symptoms for 10 days.
If you live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are considered a household contact and will need to isolate for 10 days. You must get a test on Day 3 and Day 10 of your isolation. If you develop symptoms you should get a test sooner. If you are a household contact and you test positive, you will need to isolate for 10 days.
From Friday 25 February, if you are currently a close contact and are part way through your 7 days isolation, you do not need to complete this isolation period and will be permitted to leave. You do not need to get a negative COVID-19 test.
For more information, please visit https://covid19.govt.nz/prepare-and-stay-safe/about-covid-19/our-response-to-omicron/
We encourage all students to return to school, providing they are well and not a household contact. From Monday, any student choosing to self-isolate without good reason, may be marked as an unjustified absence, in accordance with Ministry of Education guidelines.
I would like to take this opportunity to reassure our school community that case numbers remain very low at Nayland College, with only 11 confirmed cases. To date, we are not aware of any transmission of the virus at school. Mask wearing is proving to be highly effective. However, we understand there will be some anxiety about this change in our parent and student community. If your child needs support please do not hesitate to get in touch with their Tutor or House Leader.
If your student tests positive for Covid-19, can you please continue to let me know via email: daniel.wilson@nayland.school.nz
We will continue to keep you updated through regular Friday updates/newsletters and additional communication when required.
What you need to do
- You and your whānau should watch for symptoms
- If any develop, get tested immediately
- Then, stay at home until you receive the result
- If your whānau hasn’t been vaccinated, please do so as soon as possible. You can book on-line at bookmyvaccine.nz or by calling 0800 28 29 26. It’s free.
Symptoms of COVID-19
- A new or worsening cough
- Sneezing and runny nose
- A fever
- Temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
Less common symptoms include diarrhoea, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, malaise, chest pain, abdominal pain, joint pain, or confusion/irritability.
Ngā mihi,
Daniel Wilson
Principal
By Daniel Wilson
