COVID-19 UPDATE: 5th March 2021

This afternoon, Cabinet met to review the current COVID-19 Alert Level. Given the high amount of testing, the contract tracing measures undertaken and the fact that there have been no community cases now for five days, Cabinet has decided to move Auckland and New Zealand back through Alert Levels. As of this Sunday 7th March @ 6am, Auckland will move to Alert Level 2.

Alert Level 2 means we can re-open our campus. However, given the need for physical distancing, some classes will be held on zoom so that those on campus have sufficient room to spread out. We will ensure however that everyone gets a chance to be on campus at some point next week. Please keep a close eye on Slack, where your Lecturers will post messages about whether your class is online or on-campus.

As of Sunday, 8am, our studios will fully re-open at standard opening hours: Mondays to Sundays, 8am-10pm. Equipment can be booked and taken off campus from Sunday morning onwards. 

It’s great news that we can transition back to campus. However, I implore you to still be mindful of our Alert Level 2 safety protocols. These are reattached as a reminder, and include:

  • Most significantly, stay home if you are sick and seek medical advice 

  • Scan in each day through the COVID-19 app or via our manual contact tracing register

  • Maintain good hand hygiene and cough/sneeze into your elbow

  • Mask wearing is mandatory on public transport and encouraged on campus. All staff and students are particularly encouraged to wear masks when in areas of close proximity such as our studios

  • All staff and students at high risk of COVID-19 should stay at home

  • Physical distancing of 1 metre should be maintained at all times

  • Classes are held both on campus and online to ensure sufficient space on campus to maintain physical distancing

  • Studios and computer labs are fully open, 8am-10pm 

  • Film equipment can be booked and taken off campus as per normal.

Please also keep a close eye on the locations of interest and follow the Ministry of Health advice regarding self-isolation and obtaining a COVID test. These locations are updated regularly, so it’s worth visiting this website often.

If you have any queries, please let us know. Otherwise, check your Slack channels regarding classes and feel free to start booking studios and equipment.

See you back on campus!

Ngā mihi nui,

Suzette

 

Dr Suzette Major

Campus Director, SAE AUCKLAND