COVID-19 FAQ
Tū Teitei | Mahitahi | Angitu
In light of our recent cases (and possibly more) this information is to support our families with any Covid-19 queries, and what you need to do. In advance, we know that this will end up in disruptions to your lives and work, and thank you for your understanding and support.
Please note that we are not the “health experts”, but do know that the Ministry of Health may be delayed in providing advice/guidance to you. Also note that this information is subject to change, based on any updated guidelines from the Ministry of Education & Health.
Latest Updates Regarding COVID-19
Latest COVID-19 update (9 March 2022):
The isolation period for COVID-19 cases and their household contacts will be reduced from 10 to 7 days.
The change will come into effect from 11:59pm Friday 11 March.
Household Contacts will need to have a rapid antigen test at day 3 and day 7 of their isolation period. If they become symptomatic they should also get a test, and if the result is positive, they are required to isolate for seven days from that point.
If a person is isolating and still has symptoms after 7 days, they are advised to stay home until 24 hours after symptoms resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19
Who do we advise if my child tests positive for COVID-19?
Please contact our school office as soon as possible after you have been informed of a positive test result.
Contact: (07) 543 0064 or administration@pyespa.school.nz
What actions does the school take when there is a positive case?
We follow a response plan based on guidance from the Ministry of Education. This involves:
Seeking confirmation of the positive case, and when the infectious period was.
If this occurs during a school day, we will request that you come and collect your child as soon as you are able to. Arrive at the main office, and we will bring your child(ren) out to you safely.
How do we work out who is a Close Contact?
There is detailed guidance around this and a range of criteria. Without going into detail, because our students spend a long time in the same classroom, this then fits the criteria for being a Close Contact.
My child is a close contact. What does this mean?
This means your child has had contact with a positive case at our school.
Follow the latest isolation and testing advice from the Ministry of Health as stated on the COVID-19 website: https://covid19.govt.nz/testing-and-tracing/contact-tracing/close-contacts/
Do I need to provide anything before my child is able to return to school?
No, you are able to return to school at the conclusion of your isolation period and if you are not experiencing any covid symptoms.
If my child is a close contact, does the rest of our household also need to isolate?
The Covid-19 website has a link to support your understanding of what type of contact you are by completing a few short questions.
A member of our household is a close contact. Can my child still attend school?
Yes, as above. They are able to attend school so long as they are not showing any symptoms.
We received notification that my child is NOT a close contact. What do I need to do?
Most importantly, your child is still able to attend school.
You and your whānau should watch for symptoms. If any develop, get tested immediately. Then, stay at home until you receive the result.
Please keep an eye out for school communications.
My child has tested positive for COVID-19. What does this mean?
This will mean that your child will need to isolate. All family members will be close contacts and also need to isolate.
Ministry of Health will provide more guidance.
A member of our household has tested positive. What does this mean?
This will mean that your child will be a close contact and also needs to isolate. Ministry of Health will provide more guidance.
My child is feeling unwell (e.g. cough, headache, sore throat etc) Can I still send them to school?
Because these are all symptoms of Covid, please do not send your child to school. While these may be the normal bugs/sniffles that occur, we encourage you to get your child tested.
Is it safe to send my child/ren to school?
Yes. We follow current advice from the Ministries of Health and Education. If your child is not a close contact, then school is still open for them and we encourage you to send them to school as much as you can. There has been a lot of disruptions to teaching and learning over the past 2 years, and we know students benefit from structure, routine, and continuity of programme. Our school health and safety plan supports the engagement of students and the minimisation of any outbreaks.
What are you doing to keep my child/ren safe?
All staff, volunteers, contractors on site are vaccinated.
Teaching staff make attempts to ensure ventilation of learning spaces.
Staff and students in Year 4 and above are wearing masks indoors.
We have contact tracing measures in place and minimise contact between large groups of students.
We continue to practice measures as instructed by Ministries of Health and Education.
My child is anxious or scared. What advice do you have?
Our onsite team are working hard to make school fun, safe and a place of learning. We encourage you to focus on the things that they can do to help - mask-wearing, washing hands, getting a test (if required).
This website has some useful tips - https://www.kidshealth.org.nz
We encourage you to talk with the classroom teacher so they can work in partnership with you.