Covid-19 update 16 April 2020
12.40pm: Today’s briefing
We will be hearing from both director general of health Ashley Bloomfield and prime minister Jacinda Ardern at today’s one o’clock briefing. In addition to the usual numbers, the prime minister is expected to release details around the rules and restrictions of alert level three. As always, we’ll have all the updates, and you can watch the live stream of the briefing here:
Kia ora Parents and Caregivers
You may have seen that the World Health Organisation has now declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. The Ministry of Health has been working through its pandemic plan since January.
You will also know the Government has announced new and strong protective measures to keep individuals, families and communities safe and healthy. The measures came into effect from 1am Monday 16 March 2020. We have been in contact with those families who are currently abroad or had plans to travel abroad to ensure they are aware of these protective measures. Further details of these measures can be viewed on the Prime Ministers facebook page.
Those thinking about traveling overseas, should avoid all non-essential travel at this time
Three new confirmed cases were announced this past weekend taking the total confirmed cases for New Zealand to eight. We have been advised these cases are not connected with any schools or early learning services and they are doing well and two are self-isolating at home/hotel with one being treated in hospital.
For our school, our pandemic plan is also ready to be implemented if needed. In the meantime we will continue to focus on good hygiene practices. Hand washing and good cough etiquette are very important tools in preventing the spread of illness including colds, flu and COVID-19. We have taken the measure to stop handshakes as advised by the prime minister.
With that, there is a good video clip from Nanogirl that will help your children to better understand the virus – YouTube clip – Nanogirl
You may have also seen the Prime Minister sat down with Dr Michelle Dickinson (aka Nanogirl) and the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Juliet Gerrard, to talk about coronavirus:
One other action we can all take is to be vigilant about our own health and the health of our children. I will be encouraging my staff to stay away from school if they are showing signs of illness such as coughs and colds. I ask that you please do the same with your children. Colds and flus are common in schools and by staying away, seeking medical attention and practicing good hygiene, we can all keep any spread of illness to a minimum. A reminder that you can inform the school that your child will be absent by phone, email or skool loop.
Ngā mihi
Sean Valvoi
Principal