Kia ora koutou,

You’ll be aware that New Zealand will move to a new, long-term approach to COVID-19. These changes have been made based on public health advice and reflect high levels of immunity and declining case numbers across New Zealand and come into effect tonight, Monday 12 September at 11.59 pm.

 The positive news is that household contacts of a person with COVID-19 do not need to isolate, but instead are asked to complete a RAT test each day, for five days. Therefore, students who are household contacts but test negative and do not have COVID-19 symptoms should continue to attend school.  

Information on how to get RAT kits can be found here: Request a RAT– Ministry of Health  

Mask wearing is no longer required. Please be aware some staff may choose to continue to wear a mask. 

All the other recommended public health measures will stay in place as we know they reduce the spread of infectious illnesses including COVID-19. These include ensuring our indoor spaces are well-ventilated, maintaining good hand hygiene, encouraging everyone to cough or sneeze into elbows, and most importantly, staying home and getting tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

Thank you for your ongoing support in protecting our community.

Noho ora mai

Bernadette Murfitt

Principal Sacred Heart Cathedral School