A Northland school where a COVID-positive student attended classes will temporarily close, but the Ministry of Health apparently has "no concerns" about a potential wider outbreak.
St Joseph's Catholic School in Dargaville, which covers years zero to eight, told parents earlier this week two family members - not students - had tested positive for the virus. On Friday a member of the school's Board of Trustees confirmed in another letter a student had since tested positive.
They were in class on Tuesday, November 9, the letter said.
"The [Ministry of Health] has no concerns currently regarding exposure at St Joseph’s Catholic School but they have advised that all the children and teacher in that classroom of the case need to be classified as close contacts.
"All close contacts will be required to isolate at home for 14 days and have day five and day 12 tests. Family of the close contacts (including siblings who attend school) do not need to isolate or test unless they become symptomatic. If your child is a close contact, you will be notified shortly."
The school will close for three days, and the rest of the students - considered 'casual contacts' - will be allowed back on Tuesday.
"All our other public health measures will remain in place including good ventilation, good cough and sneeze etiquette, physical distancing, face coverings and regular cleaning of high touch surfaces," the board said.
"As always, everyone who is feeling unwell is asked to please stay at home and seek advice about getting tested and vaccinated."
A local emailed Newshub to say the school knew by Wednesday there was a "strong possible COVID case" amongst the student body, "but has remained open while waiting test results".
Northland - at level 2 - recorded three new cases in Friday's update, bringing its total number of active cases to 30.
Recent outbreaks in some countries overseas, such as the UK, have been driven by transmission in schools. In New Zealand people aged 11 and under - such as those at primary and some at intermediate - are currently ineligible for the vaccine.
Pfizer this week made an application to Medsafe to roll it out to younger Kiwis after getting approval in some countries overseas, including the US.
