Health New Zealand issues school attendance guidance for sick children

Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) has provided guidance for parents regarding whether children should attend school or childcare when unwell.

According to the guidelines, children may generally attend school if they exhibit mild symptoms such as a runny nose, mild cough, or mild headache, provided they have no fever and are eating and drinking normally.

However, children should remain home if they present with a fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, or untreated infectious sores like impetigo or scabies. Parents are advised to seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or if the child is too unwell to learn and requires rest.