COVID-19

Our commitment

The health and safety of our community is our top priority. Every decision we make will continue to align with Public Health guidelines. Te Rau Matatau is committed to doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19, protect our people, our wider community, and Aotearoa.

We’re in this together – this means trusting that those we work and study with will keep us safe, and that we’ll do the same for them. We must work together to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone.

Please note: these protocols are expected to be updated as requirements change from the Government and the industry regarding the management of COVID-19.

Our goals

  • Help keep our people and the wider community healthy and safe by preventing the spread of COVID-19
  • Apply relevant guidance from the Ministry of Health and other Government agencies to the tertiary education environment
  • Encourage safe and respectful work, teaching, and learning environments, and good communication between all parties.

New Zealand’s COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light)

New Zealand is in the COVID-19 Protection Framework, also known as the traffic light system. This new approach to COVID-19 will introduce more freedoms for vaccinated New Zealanders.

For information on COVID-19 Protection Framework, visit covid19.govt.nz

Life at Orange – updated 9 May 2022

Life at Orange

At Orange, there will be community transmission of COVID-19, with increasing risks to vulnerable communities, and pressure on the health system.

Learn what we all need to do.

Vaccination Requirements

Our COVID-19 vaccination policy remains in effect. We anticipate that it will continue to be in force throughout the 2022-2023 academic year.

At present,  only tauira, staff (including volunteers and contractors), visitors who are vaccinated can be onsite at  our education and delivery premises at Red.

If you are not fully vaccinated, please be aware that you may not be able to attend in-person classes or enjoy on-campus activities.

You will also need to certify your vaccination status before starting your journey with us.

Vaccinations are not required for enrolment in courses that are delivered and examined wholly by distance or online.  Papers with an on-campus component should have a substitute online alternative otherwise vaccination is required.

 

Mask Wearing

As at 4th February 2022, the mandatory face-covering mask requirement now applies to people who are indoors at Te Rau Matatau education premises while they are:

  • on the parts of the premises that are open to the public, or
  • attending formal teaching or learning activities.

Staff who are presenting (e.g. to a class), and can maintain two-metre physical distance from others when doing so, are exempt from the face covering requirement.

Staff working in an office, without members of the public regularly entering, can work at their desk/workspace without a mask. However, masks must be worn when moving around the workplace (i.e. going to the bathroom, tearoom, etc.).

Face masks  are mandatory unless an exemption applies. High touch surfaces must have rigorous cleaning implemented. Physical distancing and public health measures of handwashing, social distancing must be observed and tauira and staff are asked to stay home if unwell.

For some people wearing a face mask is unsuitable due to a disability or health condition.

See Face coverings exemption advice

 

 

Gatherings and venues at Red Level

Physical distancing measures must be implemented. The maximum capacity of venues is determined by physical distancing measures.  The general rule is 1-metre physical distancing. The limits include everyone, including children, in a defined space.

Safe hygiene & physical distancing practices

Important: If your health is vulnerable, you are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home.

Tauira are to let their kaiako know they will not physically be attending class. If the class is being held online, and tauira are still able to attend via online means, they are welcome to do so. Likewise, kaimahi should not come to campus if they are sick and should let their managers know.

If you have symptoms of cold or flu, call your doctor or Healthline and get advice about being tested.

  • Sneeze and cough into your elbow, regularly disinfect surfaces
  • If you have been told to self-isolate, you must do so immediately
  • Wash your hands regularly. Sanitise your hands with hand sanitiser or soap and running water before/at entry onto and leaving site
  • Under the Red Light, one metre of physical distancing is required
  • Masks are mandatory on all public transport and in class
  • Any personal items brought to campus must be kept separate from other people’s personal items
  • Keep a record of what/where you have been on premises every day as you may be required to track back for contact tracing
  • Keep left on all stairwells. Lifts are for essential use and buttons must be cleaned prior to and after use
  • Use the dedicated eating areas on site to restrict contamination
  • Smokers/vapers must be used in designated areas or off-site and cigarette butts are to be placed in the designated receptacle. Hands must be washed before and after smoking.