Opening of high schools near central Auckland/western Auckland area
My daughter goes to Mt. Albert Grammar. I just received an email from Auckland Regional Public Health Servvice (ARPHS) saying a second student at MAGS has just been confirmed as having COVID-19 but was infectious more than two weeks ago. However, ARPHS "is asking all students and staff members (at MAGS) to get tested" to "help identify if there are any undiagnosed cases." Then later the letter states, "MAGS remains safe for all staff and students to return on Monday 31 August and lessons resume at 8.40 am."
The two statements seem like a serious contradiction. If the school is "safe", why have everyone associated with the school get tested? I believe high schools in this area of Auckland are not safe now, especially with a new Covid cluster discovered in Mt. Roskill. These high schools should stay physically closed for at least another one or two weeks (or at least stay closed to students 15 and older since these students can stay home on their own). Or at least MAGS (with a student enrollment of 3,000) should stay closed until every MAGS student is tested, since the ARPHS stated it wanted every student in MAGS tested.
I will write to the principal of MAGS, the Ministry of Health, and the political parties. If you are concerned about our community health, I hope you will also write.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Auckland Harbour Bridge summer works
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is carrying out essential maintenance on the Auckland Harbour Bridge this December and January. The southbound clip-on lanes will be closed (24/7) from 26 December to 5 January for road resurfacing. Night-time lane restrictions will be in place throughout the summer for recoating work on the bridge. Traffic will still be able to travel in both directions at all times.
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