AIMS Games - Preventing the Spread of Infectious Diseases

PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES 

​​​​​​​Stay well during the Zespri AIMS Games

Large events and shared spaces can increase the spread of illnesses such as measles, flu (influenza), whooping cough (pertussis), gastroenteritis, and COVID-19. 

To help everyone stay well during the Zespri AIMS Games, we encourage all attendees (competitors, helpers, accompanying adults and whānau), to be up to date with their immunisations and practice good hygiene (please see Healthy habits to stop the spread of illnesses). 

Schools participating in the Games should ensure their health and safety plans are current and include procedures for managing infectious diseases, in line with: Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora advice: Measles Flu (influenza) Whooping cough (pertussis) Diarrhoea and vomiting (gastroenteritis)  and COVID-19.

Attendance at the Zespri AIMS Games​​​​​​​

Students and support people who are unwell should not attend the Zespri AIMS Games. This includes anyone with measles, respiratory illness or gastroenteritis symptoms such as:

  • A high temperature
  • A new or worsening cough
  • Sneezing and runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • New rash
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting

You also should not attend the Zespri AIMS Games if you need to be in isolation for any reason.

The wellbeing of all participants is our priority. The Zespri AIMS Games reserves the right to prevent any student from competing or attending events if they are considered medically unfit by a healthcare provider or the Tournament Director.

The Zespri AIMS Games organisers accept no liability (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 games and any cancellations that arise as a result.

Meningococcal disease - Te mate meningococcal

Measles - Te mate karawaka

Flu (Influenza) - Te rewharewha

Gastroenteritis - Tikotiko me ruaki

Whooping cough (Pertussis) - Te mare tekekō

COVID-19 - Te KOWHEORI-19

Advice for staying well at the Zespri AIMS Games​​​​​​​

The risk of spreading infectious illnesses is highest in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

The following advice can help prevent illness and reduce the spread if someone is unwell in your accommodation:

  • Open windows and doors to increase fresh air flow inside.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then dry your hands completely. If hand washing isn’t possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Make sure you use enough product to cover your hands, rub it in and allow it to dry.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – then put the tissue in a bin. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Clean your hands thoroughly after.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly. This includes things you touch often, like door handles, tables and light switches. Use hot soapy water or your normal household cleaning product.
  • Do not share items with people in your household. For example, dishes, toothbrushes, and towels.

If you or someone else becomes unwell during the week, they should keep their distance from others to stop them getting sick as well and follow this advice:

  • It is important to stay at home if you are unwell to stop the spread of the infection to others. 
  • Sleep by yourself if you can and limit the time you spend in shared spaces. If you cannot, stay at least two metres apart and wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth when near others.
  • Use a separate bathroom from others in your room/household if possible.
  • Do not prepare food for others.
  • Consider wearing a face mask when visiting your GP, pharmacy, health provider or hospital

If you or someone in your accommodation is unwell and you are concerned, or if their symptoms are worsening, you can phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it’s an emergency, call 111. 

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