COVID-19 UPDATE 9 June 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE 9 June 2020

Kia ora SAE whānau

We have reached a significant milestone in our fight against COVID-19, with there now being no known active cases in New Zealand. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced yesterday that, as of midnight last night, we will transition to Alert Level 1.

At Alert Level 1, SAE Auckland staff and students are able to return to campus. Attached are the protocols by which we will operate, but here’s a quick summary:

  • There is no requirement for physical distancing and we are able to have all our classrooms, labs and studios in full operation. 
  • Contact tracing stations at entranceways will be removed, however all staff, students and visitors should scan our QR codes located around each building, in order to register your presence at SAE Auckland through the official COVID-19 app. 
  • It’s important that you maintain good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often and use the hand sanitiser provided.  
  • Please stay home if you are sick and seek medical attention if required. This not only reduces the potential spread of COVID-19 should it re-emerge in the community, but also prevents us from spreading general coughs and colds. 
  • If a medical professional advises that you should not return to campus, please let us know.

In terms of teaching and learning, we are conscious of minimising the disruption to your current project. It is likely therefore that your current schedule will continue as planned, with a mix of online and on campus classes. Your Course Coordinator or Head of Department will advise if there are any changes to your teaching schedule as a result of the shift to Alert Level 1. Once we move into the next project in early July, most of your classes will likely then be held back on campus. 

Finally, you’ll be pleased to know that throughout this period, SAE Auckland has not had a single known case of COVID-19 amongst any staff or students. This is due to the vigilance and care that you have all taken and I applaud you for keeping yourself and others safe.  

But I also know that this has been a hugely stressful time and transitioning back to normality is not always easy. Let’s continue to be mindful, caring and gentle towards ourselves and each other as we slowly return to some sense of normality.  

I look forward to seeing you all back on campus in the days and weeks ahead.

Arohanui,

Suzette

DR SUZETTE MAJOR
Campus Director, SAE Auckland