The Government has announced that the country is moving to Phase 3 of their response to cope with the outbreak of Omicron as of 11.59pm 24 February.
Dear parents and caregivers,
Please read the following information as the country moves into Phase 3.
School Protocols
- Our existing protocols remain in place
- Please notify us if you have a household case
- We will notify parents of any cases or cases related to spaces
- School will remain open
- Online learning will only be supported if children have to isolate with their household
- We will continue to send children home if they are unwell and may ask for siblings to be collected too.
Getting tested for COVID-19
You should only get a COVID-19 test if:
- you have symptoms, or
- you are a Household Contact
At Phase 3, PCR tests will be used for people who need it most, and rapid antigen tests (RATs) will become more widely available. When you go for a test, the testing centre will let you know which test — RATs or PCR is best for you. Positive RAT results do not need to be confirmed with a PCR test unless advised.
Critical workers who are Household Contacts will still be able to use RATs tests to return to work, if they are fully vaccinated and do not have any COVID-19 symptoms. They will need to return a negative RAT before they go to work.
More information about rapid antigen tests
Find out if you are a Critical worker
Close Contact exemption scheme | business.govt.nz(external link)
If you test positive for COVID-19
If you test positive for COVID-19, you will need to isolate for 10 days. You will be sent a link to complete an online form, which will help identify locations you have visited and people you have come into close contact with.
If you do not have access to a mobile, you will be contacted by a contact tracer, or a primary care, Māori, iwi or Pacific health provider.
You can leave isolation after 10 days — you do not need a negative test.
What to expect if you test positive for COVID-19
If you test positive for COVID-19 | Health Hub(external link)
Close Contacts
At Phase 3, Close Contacts no longer need to isolate. If you get a notification from your workplace, school or through the NZ COVID Tracer app that you are a Close Contact, you should monitor your symptoms for 10 days. If you develop symptoms get a test, and you should isolate until you get your result.
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 isolation, you do not need to complete your 10 days isolation and you will be permitted to leave. You do not need to get a negative COVID-19 test.
By Mike Molloy
Attachments
- Phase-3 Letter 24 Feb 2022 Word, 60.5 KB
