COVID-19 UPDATE: 14 April 2022

COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT: 14 April 2022

Move to ORANGE

 

Kia ora SAE whānau

Yesterday, the Government announced that, as of midnight last night, New Zealand will move to the ORANGE Traffic Light setting of the COVID Protection Framework. The continued reduction in case numbers and hospitalisation rates indicates that we are now through the Omicron peak. While community transmission of COVID-19 is still occurring, the pressure on our health system is becoming more manageable. 

The two key differences under ORANGE relate to the removal of capacity limits for both indoor and outdoor gatherings, and changes to the mandatory wearing of face masks in some locations.

For tertiary institutions, face masks are no longer mandated. Rather, we have been advised to assess the risk associated with our campus and determine the best approach.

Having undertaken this analysis, I have decided that for the remaining 3 weeks of Trimester 1, face masks will remain compulsory.

There are 3 reasons why we are taking a more cautious approach:

  1. We still have COVID circulating within our SAE community. There have been just under 80 confirmed cases of COVID within our community, including 13 cases on campus. Just yesterday, I updated our Locations of Interest table once again with a further confirmed case that had been at SAE in recent days. While cases are still popping up on campus, it is wise to continue to wear masks to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
  2. We have a number of rooms on campus that are small and enclosed – most significantly our studios. Our air filtration units, coupled with the existing ventilation systems are highly effective. But I’m mindful that being within enclosed spaces increases the risk of transmission. Given our close proximity within studios and labs, continuing to wear masks for the time-being is sensible.
  3. We have a number of staff and students who are vulnerable to COVID-19 and would likely become quite unwell if they contract the virus. You often have little idea of what those around you are dealing with – either in terms of their own health issues or those who they are living with. It’s important that everyone can access campus, including those who are vulnerable or live with someone who is vulnerable. Wearing masks is not much of an imposition to help keep our entire community safe.

There are 2 instances in which I appreciate wearing masks is problematic: recording vocals and filming actors. In both these situations, we can have the vocalist or actor briefly remove their masks during the recording/filming. However, the singer/actor must only remove their mask for the brief period they are being recorded/filmed. All other people within the environment must remain masked at all times.

I will revisit our settings during the upcoming trimester break and let you know if we are in a position at that point to remove the compulsory wearing of face masks at SAE. 

Attached are our current ORANGE Safety Protocols. Please familarise yourself with how SAE will operate under ORANGE.

While COVID has been disruptive and difficult, I find joy and solitude in how our SAE community has coped. Your ongoing mindfulness and aroha reminds me how special our staff and students are. When we are able to look beyond ourselves and act in ways that support each other, we are all stronger for it.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me on Slack @s.major or email s.major@sae.edu.

 

Noho ora mai rā,

Suzette