COVID-19 UPDATE: 4 April 2022

COVID-19 UPDATE: 4 April 2022

Changes to COVID restrictions

 

Kia ora SAE whānau

At midnight tonight, Monday 4 April, the COVID-19 Protection Framework – commonly known as the Traffic Light System – is changing. While we are remaining at RED, how RED will operate has been updated. 

Why?

Modelling suggests that we are now over the peak of the Omicron wave. Case numbers, including hospitalisations, are reducing, particularly in Auckland. New Zealand is also a highly vaccinated population, with Auckland showing over 99% being at least partially vaccinated. As a result, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that vaccine mandates can now be removed and the need to scan QR codes can also cease. Gathering sizes have been increased. We are however remaining with the RED traffic light. 

Our updated RED Safety Protocols are attached. Specifically, and how these changes impact SAE, are outlined below.

Vaccination Policy

As of midnight tonight, and in accordance with the removal of vaccine mandates for tertiary institutions, our SAE Vaccination Policy will be suspended. That means all staff, students, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, can now be on campus. In many ways this has little impact for us, as most people at SAE are vaccinated and have provided a copy of their My Vaccine Pass as evidence. Please note however, that the policy is being suspended rather than removed. If health advice changes, for example if a new variant of COVID entered the country, and the tertiary sector was asked once again to only allow vaccinated staff, students and visitors on campus, the Policy would be reinstated. But, for now, everyone can return to SAE.

Scanning QR codes

As of midnight tonight, it is no longer compulsory to scan the COVID QR code each time you arrive at SAE. This is because contract tracing has moved to being an individual’s responsibility. That means, should you contract COVID, you need to inform all people that you’ve had contact with directly. Please note however, our QR posters will remain up at SAE and you are indeed welcome to scan in each day if you need a reminder about when you’ve been on campus. It’s just that it’s no longer compulsory.

Masks

Along with our high vaccination rate, the key measure of minimising the spread of COVID-19 are masks. These remain compulsory and must be worn at all times while on campus. In many ways, as other COVID restrictions lessen, mask use becomes even more critical. Please ensure you are wearing a surgical-grade or N95 mask when at SAE. Masks will continue to be made available on campus.

Gatherings and physical distancing

Under the revised RED traffic light, gathering sizes have increased to 200 people indoors, and there is no gathering limit for outdoor events. As much as possible you should physically distance around 1 metre. However, we are able to bring most classes back on campus and be within that 200-person limit.

Online classes

For the remainder of Trimester 1, some classes may continue on zoom. But, as we’ve done all year, we will try to ensure all students get some ‘on campus’ time each week – particularly with those hands-on, practical classes. Determining what classes are best delivered online and what should be moved back on campus is best left in the hands of the teaching staff. So, please chat with your lecturers and keep an eye on your Slack channels. Should the location of an upcoming class shift from online to on-campus, we’ll be sure to make that change in your timetable too. 

Returning to campus

I appreciate that there is some anxiety about returning to campus. I recognise that COVID is still circulating, even if the numbers are reducing. Please be assured that SAE will continue to take a cautious approach as the COVID restrictions ease. We take your safety and wellbeing very seriously and we will continue to do all we can to stop COVID reaching our campus and minimising its spread when it does.

Our highly vaccinated SAE community, our air filtration systems, our ventilation systems, our cleaning regime, along with the need to continue to wear masks at all times helps. But perhaps the most important measure you can all do is to stay home if you are unwell. Take that sniffly nose or tickly throat seriously. If you feel fatigued or headachy, consider taking a COVID test. And, of course, should you test positive or become a household contact, stay home and self-isolate for 7 days. Please continue to let us know if you test positive or are living with someone who tests positive, so that we can ensure we offer all the support you need around your SAE studies while you are self-isolating. 

You have done an extraordinary job of taking care of yourselves and each other through these past few weeks and I want to commend you for the effort, flexibility and understanding you’ve all shown. I know it’s been tough, but we are nearly there. Please continue to treat each other with the respect and aroha that our community is renowned for. And in so doing, help make SAE a place that we all love to be.

I look forward to seeing many of you on campus in the weeks ahead.

Arohanui,

Suzette 

Campus Director, SAE Auckland