Testing to provide reassurance to Marist College community

Testing to provide reassurance to Marist College community

Students and staff at Auckland’s Marist College will be offered the opportunity to undergo free COVID19 testing in a joint initiative between health authorities and the school.

Whilst only half of the 94 cases in the Marist cluster were directly associated with the College, it is important that the wider school community is given the opportunity to be tested.

Students and staff will be given a voucher for testing this week at any of the 14 Community-Based Assessment Centres (CBACs) currently operating across metro Auckland.

The testing has been agreed between the School Board, Ministry of Education, the metro Auckland district health boards and Auckland Regional Public Health Service to support the Marist College community.

“We believe there is a very low likelihood of new cases being detected but it is important that we take every precaution so that the school community can have confidence about the way forward,” said Auckland Regional Public Health Service Director Dr William Rainger.

“This round of testing will help give students, parents and school staff reassurance and inform planning for the re-opening of the College. When that moment arrives, the College can be confident that there is no higher risk of a student or staff member being infectious at Marist College than at any other school in New Zealand.”

Marist College Principal Raechelle Taulu said the top priority was ensuring a safe school environment and providing peace-of-mind for students, parents and staff.

“Testing is voluntary but we strongly encourage everyone at our school to be tested for COVID-19, regardless of whether they have any symptoms or have been tested before.

“Testing all staff and students will give them extra confidence that when we do open the school gates, every precaution has been taken to protect their safety.”

The College has been professionally cleaned and discussions will continue this week between the School
Board and education and health authorities to determine a date for re-opening. In the meantime, online
learning continues for all students during Alert Level 3.