Information and advice for TEOs - H1N1 influenza virus

The H1N1 influenza virus has been an issue in New Zealand in the past, therefore TEOs need to be aware of the effects and precautions that need to be taken in case an outbreak occurs again.

The Ministry of Health has worked to manage this strain of influenza. All TEOs have a role in helping reduce the effect any pandemic could have on available health resources. Public health strategies may vary from region to region depending on the spread of the virus.

The Ministry of Health website contains information on how to be prepared, how to protect yourself and advice for workplaces.

Funding

We received a number of queries from TEOs asking what their status would be if they were forced to close due to influenza.

We encourage TEOs to take all necessary steps regarding infection prevention and control during an influenza pandemic and, as much as possible, try to continue critical business activities via an alternative base. Pandemic preparedness plans should also be updated.

In the event that the Ministry of Health requires a TEO to close for a period of up to one month, we have the ability to adapt our business processes to ensure that TEOs are not disadvantaged.

In extreme cases, we will work with individual TEOs to ensure payments are made, even when not all the required information is available.

In the event that the pandemic results in a TEO being closed for more than one month and/or being unable to deliver on significant aspects of its Investment Plan, we will engage with the TEO to discuss an appropriate course of action.  

TEOs are still required to fully meet their obligations for pastoral care of learners.

Practical advice for employers

The Department of Labour has extensive information for employers about steps they can take if their workplace is affected in a pandemic, including personnel issues.