Dear Parents/Cargivers, 

I am writing to provide an update based on the latest information I received yesterday afternoon from the Ministry of Education, who have been working closely with the Ministry of Health, and the NZ Boarding Schools’ Association, to agree on how school hostels can best manage positive Covid-19 cases in Phase 3. 

As you will now be aware, I was informed of our first positive case in the hostel this morning. Since then, we have had another two year 9 boarders test positive. Both boarders are now isolating at home and close contacts and their parents and caregivers have been communicated with. 

Please see below information related to frequently asked questions around the changes and how this will look in the Lindisfarne Boarding House.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
As they apply to Lindisfarne College Boarding House in Phase 3, from Sunday 27th February.

Q: Is a boarder residing in the hostel considered to be a ‘Household Contact’ of a positive case?
A: No. It was confirmed on Sunday 27th February that no resident in a school hostel will be considered as a ‘Household Contact’ of a positive case. 

Q: Can a boarder in a school hostel linked to a positive case still be categorised as a ‘Close Contact’?
A: Yes, students who meet the close contact guidelines will still be considered a close contact. Close Contacts are primarily identified through close physical proximity, whether face coverings have been worn during contact and the amount of time spent with a confirmed case.

Q: If my son is categorised as a ‘Close Contact’ of a confirmed positive case, will he be required to isolate? 
A: No, Close Contacts are not legally required to isolate.

Q: My son is a roommate of a boarder who has tested positive for Covid-19. What happens next?
A: Lindisfarne College staff will inform the roommate(s), then phone the parents and caregivers of the roommate(s) to communicate that their son is a ‘Close Contact’ of a positive case, and they have two options:
1. Your son can remain on-site and self-monitor for symptoms. He is to report any symptoms to the hostel duty master or nurse immediately.
2. You have the choice to collect your son and to monitor for symptoms at home as a precaution, given the infectious nature of Omicron. 

Q: My son is considered a close contact, but not a roommate of a boarder who has tested positive for Covid-19. What happens next?
A: Lindisfarne College staff will inform the Close Contact, then email the parents and caregivers of the Close Contact. Parents and caregivers have two options:
1. Your son can remain on-site and self-monitor for symptoms. He is to report any symptoms to the hostel duty master or nurse immediately.
2. You have the choice to collect your son and to monitor symptoms at home as a precaution, given the infectious nature of Omicron. 

Q: If I choose to pick up my son, who has no symptoms, what is the recommended isolation period before returning him to the hostel and school?
A: The ministry recommends a period of 7 days from your son’s last exposure to the positive case. This assumes they are isolating separately from the case. However, 7 days is not a fixed requirement. You may choose to return him earlier if he remains symptom free. 

Q: Does my son need to provide a negative Covid test result before he returns to the hostel, if he has been isolating at home all week as a ‘Close Contact’ and remained free of symptoms?
A: No, he doesn’t. He can return immediately, if he is symptom free.

Q: My son presented with symptoms, was tested, isolated at home, and produced a negative RAT result. When can he return to the hostel?
A: After he has been symptom free for more than 24 hours after his negative result (Public Health Office advice). This is assuming your son is not living with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. 

Q: What are the symptoms of Covid-19?
A: 
• A new or worsening cough
• Sneezing and runny nose
• A fever
• Temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
Less common symptoms include diarrhoea, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, malaise, chest pain, abdominal pain, joint pain, or confusion/irritability.

Q: My son is showing symptoms of Covid-19 in the hostel. What does he need to do?
A: He must inform the duty staff or nurse who will isolate him in the sickbay until a parent or caregiver can collect him to be tested.

Q: If my son tests positive for Covid-19, how long must he isolate at home?
A: 10 days. Day 0 is the day he displayed symptoms OR received his test result if showing no symptoms. He must produce a negative test (RAT test is suitable) on Day 8, to allow him to return to the hostel and school on Day 11.

Q: If my son tests positive and isolates at home, are all the people living in the house with him categorised as ‘Household Contacts’?
A: Yes, they are.

Q: How long does a ‘Household Contact’ of a positive case need to isolate for?
A: 10 days.

Q: Do ‘Household Contacts’ of a positive case with no symptoms need to get tested?
A: Yes, they do. On Day 3 and Day 8. After a negative Day 8 result and after 10 full days in isolation, they can return to their normal daily life if they remain symptom free.

Q: What happens if a ‘Household Contact’ displays symptoms?
A: They get a test immediately and follow the protocols of a Covid positive case and begin their 10 days of isolation.

Q: Will my son be able to continue with his online learning if isolating at home?
A: Yes, Lindisfarne College staff will support him with online learning through Schoology. If your son requires further support, then please contact his Year Level Dean. 

Year 7&8: Kirk Doyle
Year 9: Ben Spriggens
Year 10: Fraser Harrison
Year 11: Tony Parker
Year 12: Blair Adams
Year 13: Matt Kidd

I hope the answers to the questions above assist you with making an informed decision around your son’s and your family’s response to the various Covid scenarios within the Lindisfarne College Boarding House.

We will continue to keep promoting the many health and hygiene practices we have in place to keep your son safe, including continuing to review our current systems and routines. This includes the seating plans in place for both the dining hall and prep, use of masks during prep and when in the dining hall and not eating, and closure of the school gym for recreational use. 

Please remember, if your son tests positive for Covid-19, then please email rector@lindisfarne.school,nz as well as nurse@lindisfarne.schoo.nz and ahern.matthew@lindisfarne.school.nz 

It is certainly a challenging time as we approach the peak of the current Omicron outbreak. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work through this.

Yours faithfully,
Mr M Ahern

Article added: Tuesday 01 March 2022