Local schools have responded quickly to the move to alert level two.

At alert level two all children are expected to attend school unless recommended otherwise by a medical expert. 

Mount Aspiring College acting principal Dean Sheppard emailed parents on Tuesday evening (August 11) advising of the expected changes. 

“I want to assure you that we have been planning for this event and have strict protocols in place to be reactivated. We remain focused on wellbeing, and are confident we have developed a secure and robust system to ensure our school is a safe place for everyone,” he said.

The primary school skiing programme has been cancelled this week. PHOTO: Wanaka App

At level two the key focuses will be on remaining vigilant, hand washing, and social distancing where possible. 

Parents have been asked to refrain from entering the campus unless it is absolutely necessary. 

All sporting events will continue to go ahead, Dean said.

The primary school skiing programme, which began last week, has been cancelled for this week.

Local students will be using more hand sanitiser, and trying to maintain social distance. PHOTO: Supplied

For local primary schools the biggest change to normal daily operations is likely to be that parents are not allowed on site, and some schools have resumed using drop off/pick zones.

Procedures based on Ministry of Health guidelines have been developed with the safety of staff and students in mind. Schools are considered controlled situations which means there are separate rules for a school setting compared to the general public ones.

Changes include social distancing, use of hand sanitiser, and extra cleaning. The sharing of equipment will be discouraged. 

Students and staff must not attend school if they are unwell, and national guidelines recommend a COVID-19 swab and result before they return to school.