Near miss for Hawke's Bay school after children of Covid-19 case test negative
The three children of a Covid-19 case isolating in Hawke's Bay have returned negative results - signalling the end of an uncertain 24 hours for their school.
Onekawa School principal Steve Bloor says he is "happy and relieved" his pupils were okay and had not contracted the virus.
News broke last night of the case, who was permitted to travel out of Auckland and tested positive after arriving in Hawke’s Bay.
Bloor says he was made aware of the connection late last night, and since then has been in contact with both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.
Speaking to Hawke's Bay App fresh off a video conference with officials, he confirmed the school would re-open as usual tomorrow, and the case's children will isolate as a precaution and until the Ministry of Health advises.
"The systems in place worked very well and I am confident in the safety protocols we've got around school, so although a bit of a shock when I heard the news of a link to a Covid-19 case I was assured that we had put in place our procedures to ensure that any harm was minimised."
"The Ministry of Education were very supportive and quick in their response with the situation and I feel very well-supported by them.
He says public health will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further advice if needed.
"I look forward to seeing our students tomorrow and can assure you we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of students, staff and whānau. Thank you for the communications I have received today around the concern for our tamariki and school."
Since last year, they have implemented strict Covid-19 protocols around the school including mask-wearing, signing in and increased cleaning.
"We've been following all Ministry of Education public health guidance and we're really happy with the processes we've put in place."
Hawke's Bay District Health Board Medical Officer of Health Dr Rachel Eyre said investigations continue with the case and identified close contacts. More close contacts were being interviewed today and priority testing was underway.
"The case, from Auckland, was tested before departure for Covid-19 and received results after arriving into the region. This case is not in any way linked to a potential exposure investigated by public health in Central Hawke's Bay last week where the risk was deemed low," Dr Eyre said.
Dr Eyre said the case agreed with public health to go to a community isolation facility (Kennedy Park Resort) last night where their health and welfare needs could be met over the coming days. The case is well supported and is isolated in an appropriate part of the facility which is completely self-contained and there is no further risk to anyone else.
"We are working through all lines of enquiry for due diligence to gather a clearer picture of any exposure risks related to this case. This work is fluid and ongoing but as at 1pm today public health has not identified a location where deep cleaning or closure has been requested.
"However, it is important people continue to monitor the Ministry of Health's locations of interest page as locations will be added should new information came to light as a result of our investigations. The DHB will also actively share this information."
Dr Eyre said anyone feeling unwell with cold or flu symptoms, no matter how mild should get tested as a priority even if they are vaccinated.
"Both drive-in and appointment testing is available at various locations in Hawke's Bay today and into next week.
"It is also a reminder to continue to follow strict Level 2 rules of wearing a face mask, practising social distancing and tracking your movements using the Covid-19 tracer app or personal diary.
"Getting vaccinated this weekend also remains the best way to get protected from Covid-19 as you are less likely to fall seriously ill and require hospital care. Anyone aged 12 and over can get a free vaccination at a range of clinics open across the region."
Identified close contacts being tested would remain self-isolating until additional tests were undertaken and managed appropriately under public health guidance.
Full testing and vaccination information is available at www.ourhealthhb.nz
