Phase 3 - Update

Kia ora koutou,

As we move into Phase 3 we can expect numbers of cases in school to increase. It is only natural that as cases in our community increase, they will appear in our school.

With Phase 3 of the Omicron response, the key change is that it is only confirmed cases and their household contacts who need to self-isolate. Here is a link that can help you identify what type of contact you are. Everyone else, including those who may have had close contact with the case but aren’t in the household, must continue to monitor closely for any symptoms of COVID-19. This link provides the updated guide to self-isolation  

Symptoms include: 

● 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. 

Please continue to monitor your whānau for anyone with symptoms. If unwell, please stay at home and get advice about getting a COVID-19 test.

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are now being used to diagnose COVID-19 as well as PCR tests. This means that you will get an almost immediate test result back if a RAT is used.

Who should I notify?

If anyone in your family is confirmed as having COVID-19, you will be asked to notify your close contacts yourself.

If your child tests positive for COVID-19 please notify us as soon as possible. Please also notify us if they are a household contact and will be learning from home. In both instances it is really helpful if you can provide a date of when they are due to return to school. All notifications should be made to absence@wegc.school.nz

All students will be able to continue with their learning through the Hybrid approach 

Taking care

Transmission of COVID-19 is still most likely to happen in your home – so please keep doing all those good things to keep your whānau safe. Wash your hands, get lots of fresh air, cover any coughs and sneezes, clean surfaces regularly, and seek advice if anyone is not feeling well. And please wear a mask when you are out and about. There is information online to help your family prepare to isolate if you need to. 

Finally, we know how hard the impacts on COVID-19 have been for many families in New Zealand. If you know of a family in your community who is struggling, please encourage them to reach out for support for example to access food, medicine, or access financial support: Help is available – COVID-19 Health Hub.

If you have any concerns about sending your child to school, please do get in touch.  We are here to help.

Ngā mihi nui

Gael Ashworth

Principal