COVID-19 - Information for Staff and Students

Latest COVID-19 Update – 13 September 2022

Kia ora e te Whānau, 

As you may be aware, yesterday the Government announced that Aotearoa New Zealand will move to a new long-term approach to managing 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.

From 11.59pm, Monday 12 September:

• The COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) is no longer in effect.
• All remaining worker vaccination mandates have been removed. 
• Masks continue to be required in health settings, but are no longer required on public transport or in any other settings. 
• Confirmed COVID-19 cases are still legally required to self-isolate for 7 days. Anyone who is symptomatic is encouraged to stay home and get tested. 
• Household contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases are no longer required to self-isolate, but are asked to test for COVID-19 for the first 5 days of the case’s isolation period, and to wear a mask when out and about.
• Vaccination and post-arrival testing are not required at the border. Arriving passengers are encouraged to test on days 0/1 and 5/6.  

Tertiary education providers can operate as normal, but may choose to implement public health measures to help minimise the risk of transmission if a risk assessment determines that it is appropriate to do so.

Face masks

Masks will no longer be required on campus, however you are welcome to continue to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable doing so.

For those that choose to wear a mask, for best protection wear a good quality mask that fits well and is comfortable to wear. 

Self-isolation requirements

Confirmed COVID-19 cases must isolate for 7 days.

Household contacts of confirmed Cases are not required to isolate but are asked to undertake daily testing (RATs) for the first 5 days of the case’s isolation period, and to wear a mask when out and about.

Vaccination

There is no Government vaccination requirement in effect. This includes the removal of previously legislated prohibition on preventing entry to designated premises on the grounds of vaccination (for example, school students accessing secondary-tertiary provision).

Further information can be found on the Unite Against COVID-19 website:

Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

New Zealand moved to the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights), on 3 December 2021.

• Find your local traffic light setting
• Life under the traffic light settings

New Zealand's dedicated COVID-19 website contains a wealth of useful advice and information around protecting yourself and our wider community.  

As we unite against COVID-19, it's important that we keep the basic hygiene measures, including washing your hands and coughing or sneezing into your elbow. 

To find out more on what the COVID-19 symptoms are, including Long COVID, how fast they appear, and what to do if you have any symptoms click HERE.

The Ministry of Health website has a lot of helpful information on managing our mental health during this time.

You can also find more information on how to look after your mental wellbeing, keep children safe and reassured, free resources and where to go for help HERE. 

If over days and weeks your distress or stress symptoms are escalating or you feel you are not coping, all Media Design School's network of support is here to help you. Students can speak with our Student Counsellor, Anna Boivin, by emailing counselling@mediadesignschool.com, and staff can access the EAP at any time. You can also call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

While we are working hard to keep this page updated as we receive new advice, the Ministry of Health's website is your best source of up to date information.  

If you have other questions or concerns, contact Healthline at 0800 358 5453 or your GP for medical advice. Healthline has translators and interpreters available 24/7 in 150 languages and they do have Mandarin and Cantonese speaking staff available. 

Community-based testing for COVID-19 is available through district health boards and public health units across the country. 

You can find your closest testing centre HERE.

Find out where you can get a vaccine and how to book your vaccination appointments from somewhere nearby HERE.