Covid-19 update
The majority of all Government imposed Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted in New Zealand and the University is open and operating as normal. The University no longer has a Covid-19 vaccination requirement.
Have a question? Please get in touch: [email protected] or 0800 WAIKATO (+64 7 262 0500)
Hardship Fund for Learners
Students who are currently enrolled in full-time study with the University of Waikato may apply for a hardship grant to cover expenses incurred as a result of Covid. Funding covers costs such as loss of income, additional bill payments and private rental accommodation payments. Students must provide a summary of their situation, including how Covid has impacted their finances and provide supporting evidence.
Alert Levels and Updates
Latest news and updates about New Zealand's response to COVID-19.
Mask usage
- Mask wearing is required in most clinical settings - at the University this includes the Student Health Centre and students studying Health when they enter healthcare facilities.
- The University requires mask wearing as part of usual personal protective equipment (PPE) in science laboratories.
- Some places you visit off-campus as part of your studies might ask you to wear a mask, check with them before visiting.
- If you are in a class where mask wearing has been a requirement this trimester, this requirement will continue.
Stay home if you are sick or have:
- New or worsening cough
- Fever or high temperature
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or sneezing
- Shortness of breath
- Temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste
- Tested positive for Covid-19 (if you test positive for Covid-19 you are still required to isolate for 7 days)
Unwell?
- Stay home until you are better (or until 7 days have passed if you have Covid-19)
- We will be flexible if you aren’t able to come to campus.
- Please talk to your lecturer, study advisor or manager to see how we can support you.
Continue with good health practices:
- Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow
- Clean or disinfect shared surfaces regularly
- Consider wearing a face mask when working close to others and please respect anyone who chooses to wear a mask
- Stay home if you are sick – take a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) if you have Covid-19 symptoms.
- Open windows (if possible) to increase fresh air flow inside, the University continues to maintain our air condition systems
- Stay up to date with your vaccinations
Stay updated
For latest information and updates visit covid19.govt.nz
Further Information and Documents
Alert Level 1 guidance
- If you’re sick, stay home.
- If you have cold or flu symptoms call your doctor or Healthline and make sure you get tested.
- Maintain good hygiene.
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow, and regularly disinfect shared surfaces.
- Keep your distance. Covid-19 is contained at Alert Level 1, but it’s still worthwhile to keep a safe distance from people you don’t know while out and about.
- If you are told by health authorities to self-isolate you must do so immediately.
- If you’re concerned about your wellbeing or have underlying health conditions, work with your GP to understand how best to stay healthy.
- Keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help contact tracing if needed. At the University, please Check In Before You Step In or use the NZ Covid Tracer App around campus.
- Stay vigilant. There is still a global pandemic going on. People and businesses should be prepared to act fast to change alert levels if we need to.
- People will have had different experiences over the last year. Whatever you’re feeling — it’s okay. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself.
Check out the Ministry of Health's dedicated Covid-19 website for more information.
Guiding principles for Alert Level 2
- The health and safety of our students, staff and the public is our top priority. As at Level 1, if you are sick or feel unwell, stay at home, and if you have symptoms of cold or flu call your doctor or Healthline, and get tested.
- It’s vital that everyone maintains good hygiene practices including hand washing with soap for 20 seconds, use of hand sanitiser, and cough/sneezing into your elbow.
- We encourage you to continue to come to campus. We recognise that people who have medical conditions, are unwell, are in vulnerable groups, or are supporting vulnerable groups may choose to stay at home.
- Teaching and learning continues in the same way at Level 2 as at Level 1.
- Physical distancing guidance is to keep 1 metre apart from others inside and 2 metres apart from others outside.
- Contact tracing is very important. At the University, please Check In Before You Step In or use the NZ Covid Tracer App around campus.
- If you have a mask or face covering, you are encouraged to wear it if you are in a space where you can’t physically distance.
Check out the Ministry of Health's dedicated Covid-19 website for more information.