Police are investigating after a racist email was sent to a Canterbury woman asking her to keep her kids home so they don't spread coronavirus.
On Monday, a Reddit user posted a screenshot of the email saying it was sent to their sister who lives in Rolleston.
"My sister got this email. We are not all virus spreaders. We're all just as worried and scared as you are," the caption read.
The email, sent from the address "Protect Rolleston", accuses the woman's children of spreading viruses.
"Please let your kids stay at home as you Asian are virus spreaders! Our Kiwi kids don't want to be in the same class as your disgusting virus spreaders," the email reads.
Police told Newshub they are investigating the email and warned that racism in relation to the coronavirus outbreak won't be tolerated.
"We have made contact with the person reporting the matter to provide advice, and enquiries are being undertaken to identify the source of the email.
"Unlawful, abusive or threatening behaviour targeting another person or group in relation to coronavirus will not be tolerated.
"Reports of racism, xenophobia, or people being targeted for any health reasons will be taken seriously and investigated."
More than 304 people have died from the novel coronavirus while at least 14,380 people are infected.
The epicentre of the virus, Wuhan, is in lockdown and several countries, including New Zealand, have denied entry to all foreign visitors who have recently been to China.
