Today marks the first day back in the workplace or classroom for many staff and school children under Alert Level 2, and it’s important that we ease back into things, says Taranaki Civil Defence.
“While we moved to Alert Level 2 at 11:59pm last Wednesday night a number of workplaces and all the region’s schools are scaling back towards full operation this week,” says Taranaki Civil Defence Alternate Controller Sue Kelly.
“We acknowledge there are many people who have lost jobs which puts extra strain on themselves and their families. Civil Defence is here to support people during this difficult period by calling 0800 900 077,” she said.
“As we take a further step towards normal life, and start to move beyond our bubbles more consciously, it’s important to remember two things.”
“COVID-19 is still present in New Zealand, so it is vital that we continue the good habits that we become used to.”
“This includes playing it safe – maintaining excellent hygiene and cleaning, not taking unnecessary risks, and being continually aware of the threat of the virus.”
“The other important consideration is around mental health, both our own and that of our children. Eight weeks away from school is a long time, and children will be excited to return to the classroom.”
“Students will also have had varying levels of experience with home learning through no fault of their own. This means the next couple few weeks could be tough for them to adjust to their new normal. If parents notice their children are struggling to adjust, there is help available for them,” Sue said.
The Ministry of Education has a comprehensive range of information available to support the return to schools – view more here: https://www.education.govt.nz/covid-19/advice-for-students-parents-and-whanau/(external link)
Specific information to support students’ health and wellbeing is available here: https://www.education.govt.nz/covid-19/covid-19-and-wellbeing/(external link)
Everything you need to know about what Level 2 will look like, and the support available for when we can transition, will be available on www.covid19.govt.nz.
ENDS
The most up to date information on COVID-19 is on www.covid19.govt.nz(external link).
For all Ministry of Health updates visit www.health.govt.nz/covid-19(external link) and for Taranaki DHB updates visit www.tdhb.org.nz(external link).
For the latest Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management updates, visit our website www.cdemtaranaki.govt.nz(external link) and Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Facebook page(external link)
For information on Alert Level 3, visit: https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-3/(external link)
For information on what life and business will look like at Alert Level 2 when we move to it, visit: https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-2/(external link)