Anyone can attend the Zespri AIMS Games regardless of vaccination status. Vaccination against COVID-19 is an important tool to protect against severe illness. It is important to keep up healthy habits to slow the spread and protect yourself, your whānau, and your community.  Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

Schools participating in the Zespri AIMS Games should ensure that their health and safety documentation is up to date with clear policies regarding COVID-19, based on the most up to date Ministry of Health guidelines. These should include:

• Isolation procedures should a student, staff member or coach test positive during the event and testing recommendations for household contacts who display COVID-19 symptoms If you have COVID-19 - Health Information and Services
• Travel plans for students, staff members and coaches to return home safely should they test positive.
• Considerations for students participating in the Zespri AIMS Games who may be returning to exercise post COVID-19: COVID-19 positive: Exercise | Healthify

Free RATs are available at participating pharmacies until 30th September 2024.

As the well-being of all participants in the Zespri AIMS Games is the priority of the sponsors and organisers, the Zespri AIMS Games reserves the right to prevent any student from competing in or attending any Zespri AIMS Games event if, in the opinion of any medical provider or the tournament director, the student is deemed to be medically unfit to compete or attend.

This includes any student who exhibits flu-like or respiratory symptoms (including but not limited to symptoms associated with Covid-19, measles or whooping cough/pertussis) such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Information on measles and whooping cough (pertussis) symptoms are available here:

Zespri AIMS Games accepts no liability whatsoever (including tortious liability) for any losses or damages arising out of a medical event, including a child being unable to attend or continue to attend the Zespri AIMS Games due and any necessary cancellations that arise as a result.

Advice for Isolation in a Shared Living Space

COVID-19 and other illnesses, such as gastroenteritis and whooping cough (pertussis), can spread easily in shared accommodation. 

The risk of spreading COVID-19 is highest in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. The following advice can help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Open windows and doors to increase fresh air flow inside.
• Consider using an air filtration unit if you have access to one.
• Avoid contact with people in your accommodation. For example, sleep by yourself if you can, and limit the time you spend in shared spaces. If you cannot, stay at least 2 metres apart and wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth when near others.

Additionally, consider the following advice if you have someone who is unwell in your accommodation:

• Use a separate bathroom from others in your household if possible
• Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly. This includes things you touch often, like door handles, light switches, and phones.
• Do not prepare food for others.
• Do not share items with people in your household. For example, dishes, toothbrushes, and towels.

If you feel your symptoms worsening, you can call Healthline on: 0800 611 116 for free medical advice.

In the event of a COVID-19 or gastroenteritis case in your accommodation, consider moving high risk children, adults and pregnant people to avoid transmission to those most vulnerable to severe illness.

People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)