By Rachael Mortimer, Chair NZTSOS (NZ Teachers Speaking Out with Science)

Recently it has come to our attention that there are statements circulating about a possible 72 hour lockdown of our children in schools.  NZTSOS would like to put people’s minds at ease that this appears to be unsupported by evidence.

It appears that some people have taken two Government policies and may have misread the situation.  The health policy has been around since 1958 https://www.education.govt.nz/school/health-safety-and-wellbeing/student-and-staff-health/communicable-diseases-in-early-learning-services-and-schools-a-guide-to-legal-powers/

In this policy it states a 72 hour DETENTION rather than a 72 hour lockdown.  It also talks about precluding students which is more about not allowing people with a communicable disease at schools or early learning centre sites. The “court orders for treatment” have always been around to make sure that parents cannot send children back to school if they are still transmissible.

The second policy deals with lockdowns which were changed after the Christchurch Mosque shooting and tells parents to not contact or turn up at the school if there is a lockdown. https://www.education.govt.nz/assets/Documents/School/Supporting-students/Emergencies-and-traumatic-incidents/Emergency-Planning-Guidance.pdf

This was put in place for the safety of the children as well as the parents/caregivers – not putting them in harm’s way.  As for the contact and not being able to reach students via cell phones – this policy came about after students shared and viewed the real time events of the Mosque shooting which was traumatic for all involved.

Please rest assured that the rumour of a possible lockdown of the children is one that can not be substantiated and in fact is only causing anxiety and fear.

We are planning to hold a question and answer session to discuss this on Wednesday with The Daily Examiner.  Details to follow.