The University of Otago has decided against recalling 61 students currently overseas on placements in the wake of Covid-19.
Meanwhile, the Dunedin City Council continues to develop its plan of action as the Southern District Health Board tests several people daily for the virus.
Health Sciences pro-vice chancellor Prof Paul Brunton said the university had been looking closely at the impact of Covid-19 on overseas electives for students.
‘‘This remains a rapidly evolving situation and students need to be aware that this could change at any time.
‘‘Currently, the only locations that we are advising students to return from are those countries that have a Ministry of Foreign Affairs do not travel or avoid unnecessary travel advisory.’’
Those countries include mainland China, Iran and Italy.
The university is withdrawing approval of electives in destinations or countries that require self-isolation on return.
‘‘All students have been reassured that if they are feeling at all uncomfortable for any reason and wish to return to New Zealand early, the university will fully support an early return to New Zealand.’’
An email to medical students said, “please do not let concerns regarding terms influence your decision; if you are uncomfortable remaining overseas, your personal safety is our main concern and you should return.”
If students returned early, it would not impact on their ability to fulfil terms’ requirements, Prof Brunton said.
‘‘We are working on identifying and building a database of potential New Zealand supervisors and electives.’’
Last week, the University of Auckland recalled about 70 of its medical students from overseas.
A SDHB spokeswoman said they had been testing several people a day who presented with respiratory illnesses and who had been travelling, for Covid-19, as a precaution.
‘‘There are no confirmed Covid-19 cases in the district.
‘‘Those who have been tested are asked to remain in self-isolation until the results are known.’’
Council chief executive Sue Bidrose said the DCC had set up a senior staff response team which was co-ordinating the council’s approach to the virus.
‘‘We’re not making any changes to events or facilities at this point, but we are ensuring that we know the circumstances that would prompt us to close facilities to reduce the spread of the virus.’’
Staff returning from known hot spots and people with flu-like symptoms were encouraged to work from home, she said.