A cleaner at Howick College who was double-vaccinated has tested positive for Covid.
Howick College principal Iva Ropati today sent a note to parents and caregivers in which he said the school has been working closely with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education officials to guide the school’s response.
“A school cleaner has been confirmed as having Covid -19,” said Ropati.
“The person was infectious while working at our school in the late afternoon and evening between 4pm – 7pm on Wednesday November 3 and Thursday November 4.
“The cleaner was fully vaccinated and undertook a test on Friday morning as soon as they experienced symptoms. The risk assessment for school is that of very low/no risk to students and staff.”
Other cleaners in the school at the time have all returned negative tests,” he said.
“The affected cleaner was only working in the toilet areas of the school, all of which have now been deep cleaned.”
Ropati also confirmed the school will remain open.
“Based on international and local evidence and experience, the risk of Covid -19 transmission within school settings is considered low.
“This means that it is no longer necessary for the school to immediately close when a case has been identified as infectious while at school. We will open as usual on Monday November 8.”
It follows a positive test at another school in the area last week. A support staff member at Macleans College tested positive for Covid-19 last Sunday. The staff member had not been in contact with any students according to a notice on the school’s website.
Meanwhile, Howick College has also urged its school community to watch for symptoms and get their jabs.
Please get vaccinated
If you and your family have not yet been vaccinated, please get vaccinated as soon as possible.
- You can book online at www.bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz. There is information on this website about finding your closest walk-in vaccination centre
- You can also go to www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-vaccination or www.karawhiua.nz/allclinics. If you have been identified as a Contact of the case, please wait until your isolation period has finished to get vaccinated.
Please watch for symptoms of Covid -19
If you develop any of the following symptoms, no matter how mild, ring Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor, and get tested. Healthline is a free, 24/7 service with interpreters available. Common symptoms of Covid -19 are like those found with illnesses such as a cold or influenza.
You may have one or more of the following:
- new or worsening cough
- sneezing and runny nose
- fever
- temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
Less common symptoms of Covid -19 may include diarrhoea, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, malaise, chest pain, abdominal pain, joint pain, or confusion/irritability.
These almost always occur with one or more of the common symptoms. Please stay at home while waiting for test results.
“Please contact the school if you have any questions or you can call the Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice.”
