NZOIA Response to COVID-19

NZOIA is constantly assessing the risks of COVID-19 and is working within the prescribed Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education guidelines that are designed to minimise the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 We are working within those guidelines to protect the health, safety and well-being of all Assessors and participants on NZOIA training, revalidation and assessment courses.

As of 11.59pm on Monday 4 April 2022 the Government removed the vaccine pass requirement. Following a risk assessment by NZOIA Board and senior personnel, we agreed that the risk is no longer such that a vaccine pass is necessary for NZOIA events to occur.

As of 11.59pm Wednesday 13 April, the whole of New Zealand moved to the orange setting on the Government’s COVID Response Framework. Please check NZOIA’s response to that below.

We all still have a role in slowing the progression of COVID-19 in Aotearoa.

If you are registered for running or attending an NZOIA course and are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a high temperature (at least 38 degrees Celsius), temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results, or are a household contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19 please:

Withdraw from the course by contacting the NZOIA office: admin@nzoia.org.nz
Phone Healthline on the dedicated COVID-19 number at 0800 358 5453 or phone ahead to your general practice to be advised on what to do.

NZ continues to operate under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system). NZOIA courses are being run under the “Event” criteria. Considering this and the advice provided by Sport NZ we have updated our response to the framework. If that advice differs in any way from our response below we will update our response to the CPF and advise you accordingly. The CPF has been designed by Government to allow more activities to take place, rather than to restrict them. On this basis all NZOIA events can take place at Green, Orange and Red providing they are delivered within the NZOIA COVID-19 Risk Protection Policy referred to above.

While physical distancing is no longer required either inside or outside, some of our work can be up close and personal, so please be respectful and considerate when working in those situations.

NZOIA Response to COVID-19 Protection Framework (CPF)

	GREEN COVID 19 across NZ, including sporadic imported cases. Limited community transmission. Whole of health system is ready to respond.	General Settings: No restrictions Good health habits encouraged to look after those more vulnerable to COVID-19 NZOIA Response to COVID-19 Protection Framework You don't take your traffic light status with you, but when moving from a more high-risk region be vigilant and ensure you use public health hygiene practices. No other limits.
	ORANGE Increasing community transmission with increasing pressure on health system. Whole of health system is focusing resources but can manage. Increasing risk to at-risk populations.	General Settings: Controlled access events can go ahead. There are no capacity limits for outdoor or indoor gatherings and events. Face masks mandatory on flights, public transport, taxis, retail and inside public venues. You do not need to wear a face mask at an event, either indoors or outdoors. NZOIA Response to COVID-19 Protection Framework You don't take your traffic light status with you, but when moving from a more high-risk region be vigilant and ensure you use contact tracing and public health hygiene practices. Face masks are encouraged indoors and outdoors when spending time in someone else’s breathing space No other limits.
	RED Action needed to protect health system – system facing unsustainable number of hospitalisations. Action needed to protect at-risk populations.	General Settings: There is a 200-person limit for indoor gatherings. There are no number limits for outdoor activities. People working at the event are not counted in the total number. Face masks mandatory on flights, public transport, taxis, retail and inside public venues. You do not need to wear a mask outdoors. When food and drink is being served, you must be seated and separated. NZOIA Response to COVID-19 Protection Framework Participants are to avoid sharing accommodation (for example tents, huts, rooms) with people not in their immediate household as this could be considered a “household like” contact. Face masks are required inside unless eating or drinking. Face masks are encouraged outside when spending time in someone else's breathing space e.g. map reading. Public health measures such as hand washing/sanitising are encouraged (where practicable). Refer below for further detail. Model client numbers kept to a minimum (2 per candidate).

Recommended Public Health Measures

Hygiene and Sanitation:

Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water whenever practicable e.g. leaving accommodation, meeting rooms, toilets

Sanitise hands before the activity begins, throughout the activity (e.g. before gear exchange), before eating, and after the activity is completed. Please bring your personal sanitiser. NZOIA will have sanitiser available if you forget yours or are unable to access some.

Use of face masks. Please bring your personal face mask with you. All masks must cover the mouth and nose and attach with ear or head loops. NZOIA will have a limited amount of face masks available if you forget yours or are unable to access one. Wear and know how to use face masks where referenced in the CPF. Coverings such as bandana’s, scarves, neck warmers or balaclavas are no longer acceptable as a substitute for a mask.

Protocols will be briefed at the beginning of the course:

Cough or sneeze into the elbow or cover your mouth and nose with tissues, placing any used tissues into a bag immediately
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Avoid any unnecessary touching such as handshaking, hugs, hongi.
Individual equipment should be used wherever practicable or shared in small groups if unavoidable.

Isolation:

If you are travelling to a different region, it is highly recommended you travel via vehicle so you can return home safely if you become symptomatic or are required to isolate. If you use public transport (e.g. flights, ferry) ensure you have a plan for where you might stay should you need to isolate.
Any person who presents COVID-19 symptoms during the course will need to self-isolate and follow Misnistry of Health guidelines:
- Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice on testing and what to do
- Isolate at your accommodation if you are symptomatic, until you get your test result
If the result is positive please let the Assessor (if the course is still running) or NZOIA (if the course has finished) know asap. If the result is positive all household like contacts will need to isolate and leave the course. By following the above Risk Protection Policy, the household like contacts can be minimised.
Follow Ministry of Health Guidelines if you test positive for COVID-19 while travelling away from home.