AUT student tests positive for Covid-19

Justin Hu (he/him) and Justin Wong (he/him)

An AUT student at the city campus has been confirmed as one of today’s positive Covid-19 cases, according to the university.

The student was infectious while attending a Social Institutions (SOSC583) lecture in WG403 at the city campus between 11:30am and 1pm on August 17.

In a staff email on Wednesday evening, Vice-Chancellor Derek McCormack said there were 84 other people attending the lecture, and the university is working with the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS).

The university says that close contacts of the infected student will be communicated with directly.

“You will be contacted if you are identified as a close contact and provided with information about isolating and getting tested,” the email said.

There is currently no apparent health guidance for students or staff who were not participating in the lecture. The university says it will provide more information soon along with the ARPHS.

All AUT classes were suspended on Wednesday.

This comes after at least ten people have been tested positive for Covid-19 since August 17, with the first case being a 58-year-old Devonport man who travelled to the Coromandel region.

Locations of interest released by the Ministry of Health included numerous Auckland CBD sites including Denny’s on Hobson Street, Bar 101, the Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen, and the Sky City casino between late August 13 and early August 14.

If you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or have been at locations of interest during the relevant time, contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

For general health advice and information, call 0800 611 116.