An Auckland school will close for the rest of the week after a student tested positive for COVID-19.
The child, who attends Chapel Downs Primary School in Manukau, had been at school for a short time before they tested positive, a letter to parents from the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) said.
"The child and three close contacts were dropped off before school on Monday 14 September for around 30 minutes until they were picked up around 9:00am. The child received a positive test result for the virus later that day," the letter said.
"As a result, the school will reopen on Monday 21 September, unless there is new advice that will require it to remain closed."
On Monday, the Ministry of Health announced one new community case of COVID-19.
"The case is a female child who is epidemiologically linked to an existing case associated with the Botany sub-cluster which has been genomically linked to the Auckland cluster," it said.
"The child has been in isolation since August 30 due to being a household contact of a confirmed case."
There haven't been any new community cases announced since then.
ARPHS said it is going to work with the school to identify any close contacts as a result of the exposure. Close contacts will include any students and staff members who may have been closer than two metres to the student for more than 15 minutes.
"We ask that you keep your child or children at home, until you receive a letter from ARPHS advising what to do next. Staff should also stay at home until they are advised by ARPHS," the letter said.
ARPHS also asks people to keep an eye out for COVID-19 symptoms, including a new or worsening cough, a sore throat, runny nose, fever, temporary loss of smell and difficulty breathing.
Parents of students at the school are asked to call their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if they or their child have any symptoms.
"Finally, if you know the identity of the student or family with COVID-19, please do not disclose their names or details to anyone else, and discourage your children from speculating or identifying them on social media. This can lead to online bullying and abuse," ARPHS said.
