Kia ora
We have been advised of two more positive Covid test results from staff bringing our Library total to six.
Leah in LAC has tested positive. She was last on campus on Friday 4 March. One of our casual staff has also tested positive but has not been in the Library since 21 Feb so is not counted in the total
I am only doing a Omicron update when a positive case is notified to us, so if there is no update then there are no further cases. Note we also have staff away for a variety of reasons, they may be isolating or sick for an entirely different reason.
Please continue to self-monitor for symptoms and if you feel at all unwell, please self-isolate, get a test and report the results.
We wish a safe and speedy recovery to our colleagues and their whanau, and we will be working to ensure they receive good support.
We are expecting to get a supply of RAT tests for our front-line staff soon, four per staff member. They are for use if you do not feel well rather than for ongoing preventative tests such as those used in government determined critical worker environments such as health care. The N95 masks are also expected this week.
We would also like to acknowledge that this news could cause us to experience a range of responses and that this is ok. Looking after our health and wellbeing as best we can is really important at this time.
Please do speak with myself, your manager/team leader or Aurelia if you wish to talk through any concerns or feel you may need some support at this time.
Ngā mihi nui
Anne
Hi Anne,
If staff need to isolate because they are a close contact is the default position that they work from home?
Thanks,
Nick
Normal sick leave provisions apply, are you sick, are you needed to look after sick whanau etc. If not then, yes, you are expected to work from home. Talk to your manager as everyone’s circumstances are different. It can be a flexible arrangement where you work part time and take sick leave part time depending on what is happening at home each day and decide at the end how much is sick leave will be required. You may not necessarily be fully productive at home, particularly with small children, and that is fine.
Thanks, Anne,
What are the expectations for casual contacts currently? Some may feel uncomfortable risking coming into work. Is there flexibility for casual contacts to work from home?
Ngā mihi,
Nick
UC uses the government guidelines which are continuing to evolve. Currently only household contacts are expected to isolate. If you feel unwell please stay at home, otherwise you are expected to continue working as normal. Please also talk to your manager about your concerns as options and risks can vary by individual circumstance and role.