Covid-19 update – Friday 1 AprilDear students, We are writing today to outline our plans for returning to campus as well as recap some recent changes to New Zealand’s Covid-19 response. Our Executive Leadership Team has made the decision to resume on-campus teaching and learning from Study Block 2, beginning on Tuesday 26 April. All classes will take place on campus from this date. We’re very much looking forward to having you all back and we will have processes in place to keep you safe when you arrive, including regular cleaning of all surfaces and having sanitiser, cleaning supplies, and masks available for your use. We ask that you continue to take measures to keep yourselves and others safe including regularly washing and drying your hands thoroughly, social distancing when practical, and staying home if you are unwell. Auckland is currently at the Red level of the traffic light framework, meaning masks must be worn indoors at tertiary providers. The Prime Minister recently announced some changes to the traffic light system. There is no longer a requirement for businesses to display QR code posters or for people to sign in. This means you no longer need to scan in when you come to the campus. The Government will review traffic light settings again on Monday 4 April and we will be in touch with what any changes mean for the campus. The Government has also announced the removal of vaccine mandates in many industries, including tertiary education, from 11.59pm on Monday 4 April. Otago Polytechnic is currently reviewing its own vaccine policy and we will update you soon about what this will mean for our staff and students. We know that many of you will be looking forward to the return to campus life but some may be feeling a little anxious. Please feel free to reach out to our Student Success Team at studentsuccessaic@op.ac.nz if you would like to talk. Kind regards, OPAIC Communications. |