Covid 19 FAQ
Current as at 24 February 2022 - Phase 3
In light of cases increasing around the country, 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.
Please also note that this information is subject to change, based on any updated guidelines from the Ministry of Education & Health.
What do I do if I or My child test positive?
Self isolate for 7 days
(Your child and your household/Whānau will also need to self-isolate)
Provide all necessary information to contact tracers to help them identify other close contacts
Test on day 5 and then again on day 7
You can stop isolating and RETURN to school once you have received a negative day 7 test and the 7 days have passed. (Return on day 8, not 7th day)
You will be notified of your test result (negative or positive) by text
What is the difference between a positive case, Household/Whānau of a positive case and a close contact?
Positive Cases - Someone who has tested positive for COVID 19
Household/Whānau - People who live in your house with you
Close Contact - Someone who lives with a person with COVID 19 Please note this has changed at Phase 3
What if I or my child are a close contact or Household close contact of a positive case
Close contact
You can continue to attend school. Monitor your health and If you develop any symptoms you should get a test
Household/Whānau member of close contact
You can continue to attend school. Monitor your health and If you develop any symptoms you should get a test
Who do we advise if my child tests positive for Covid-19?
Please contact the office as soon as possible after you have been informed of a positive test result. office@hokitika.school.nz or 03 755 7400
My child is a close contact. What does this mean?
This means your child has had contact with a positive case at home.
Do I need to provide anything before my child is able to return to school?
After isolating for 7 days, students are able to return to school on day 8.
My child has tested positive for Covid-19. What does this mean?
This will mean that your child will need to isolate. All household members will 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 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.
We are isolating and a new person in our household tests positive, does the 10 day start again for all of the household?
Yes, if a household person tests positive the 7 day isolation resets for all members in the house.
What are you doing to keep my child safe?
All staff, volunteers, contractors on site are vaccinated
We are ventilating classrooms to keep fresh air circulating
Staff and students in Year 4 and above are wearing masks where required
We have staggered break times and areas to assist with contact tracing and minimising contact between large groups of students. This is intended to minimise disruptions to home.
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).
We also have a trained counsellor available. To make a booking email fiona@hokitika.school.nz
This website has some useful tips - https://www.kidshealth.org.nz
Is there Financial support available if I need to Isolate?
The following website may offer information on available support to help you:
https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/financial-support/
What if I or my child are Household/Whānau members of a positive case?
Self isolate for 7 days
Test on day 5 and then again on day 7
You can stop isolating and RETURN to normal life once you have received a negative day 7 test and the 7 days have passed.