12 February 2020


Coronavirus Outbreak Message

Message from the National Principal to the Laidlaw community regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

You will be well aware from media reports of the outbreak of a new type of Coronavirus, known as COVID-19. New Zealand’s Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and advises that the likelihood of an imported case into this country is high, however the likelihood of a widespread outbreak remains low.

If any Laidlaw student has been in mainland China or transited through (since 2 February 2020) please register your details with Healthline (call 0800 358 5453), let us know (email [email protected]) and self-isolate for 14 days. Self-isolation means avoiding situations where you could infect other people (this includes coming to Orientation or classes on campus).

If you think you may have been in contact with the Coronavirus, please seek advice from Healthline on 0800 358 5453. If you are advised to self-isolate or your situation will somehow affect your study at Laidlaw, please call our Academic Registrar, Nalini Vijaykumar on +64 9 836 7826. For the latest advice on COVID-19 please refer to the Ministry of Health website.

Please let us also use this opportunity to continue to model Christian community to each other and to those around us. If you’re fearful about the situation, we would love to pray for you. Being wise in how we reduce risk by taking precautions doesn’t mean that we should withhold love and care from any affected, including those who may face social suspicion. God is good and sovereign, and we want to live confidently and wisely in that light.

Looking forward to seeing you all at the start of a new academic semester.

Dr Roshan Allpress

National Principal