Red light… Green light!
Massey University has finally retired its University Operating Plan following the recent shift in the Covid-19 Protection Framework, otherwise known as the traffic light system.
After two years of living under these government restrictions, their sudden lifting has undoubtedly sparked an array of mixed emotions.
“One half of me is glad that we can finally move on and get back to normality again and not have to wear masks, but another part of me is quite anxious that having no restrictions will just make things worse again,” says student Natasha Little.
For the general public, key changes include all vaccine mandates being removed as of midnight 26 September; mask-wearing requirements being removed except for in healthcare and aged care facilities, and household contacts of Covid-19 cases no longer being required to isolate.
For university students, the green light comes with a few extra perks (or disadvantages, depending on your point of view). There are now no restrictions around social distancing, so you can move freely around campus. Masks also are not mandatory anymore except when visiting healthcare services; and again, vaccine mandates end on 26 September. There will also be no immediate timetable changes, and all in-person and online learning will remain the same.
Another drastic change on Massey campuses is the removal of swipe cards. Swipe cards were put in place at the start of the pandemic in order to minimize the spread of Covid-19, yet the lifting of restrictions means the commonly accessed buildings will now be open again without the need of specified access.
“The commonly accessed buildings are open between certain hours, but there are still some that need swipe access at all times, and some that require swipe cards outside of normal teaching hours,” says Massey Communications Advisor, Dale.
Despite the lifting of restrictions, everybody is still encouraged to stay home and test themselves if they are feeling unwell, or if they become a close contact. You are also encouraged to wear a mask if you are feeling unwell.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Tere McGonagle-Daly says, “Everyone’s emotional and mental wellbeing is extremely important and whilst many will be celebrating the lifting of restrictions, some of our people will be feeling anxious and nervous about it. Please be respectful of other people and how they may be feeling at this time.”
For more information about the green traffic light rules and Massey’s role in supporting students, you can visit our wellbeing page at www.massey.ac.nz/about/health-safety-and-wellbeing/wellbeing-at-massey/ and at covid19.govt.nz.