CHAPEL DOWNS SCHOOL CLOSES WHILE CONTACTS ARE TRACED

16.9.2020

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) is working with Chapel Downs School after a child attended for a short time, before receiving a positive test result for COVID-19.

An ARPHS spokesperson says letters have been sent out today to staff and families, informing them that the school will not be open until Monday at the earliest, after it is cleaned and close contacts identified.

These close contacts will receive further advice on self-isolation and testing.

The child was dropped off before school on Monday 14 September but picked up 30 minutes later at 9.00am. The parents later received a positive test result for the child. This case has been previously reported by the Ministry of Health.

The school has asked that the family’s privacy be respected, and that people do not speculate on the identity of the family or the child.

The child and their family are in isolation, with Public Health monitoring their health and wellbeing.

Public Health is asking that parents remind students to:

• Practise safe hand, cough and sneeze hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. That means coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a disposable tissue, then putting used tissues in the bin and washing your hands afterwards.
• Maintain physical distancing of two metres outside of home, including on public transport.
• Strongly consider wearing a mask when out and about.
• Frequently and thoroughly wash and dry hands (with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds). Hand sanitiser is also a useful alternative option if soap and water is not readily available.
• Carry disposable tissues in bags or pockets.