To the Leading Out community:
In recent days, COVID-19 has become a topic of concern for our teachers abroad and their families at home.
We want to assure you that we are monitoring this situation closely and working hard to make sure the needs of our teachers are met. We want you to know your options and ensure your safety as our top priority.
This post will provide:
- Information about school closures and work for teachers in New Zealand
- Flight coverage information from Flight Centre
- Medical coverage information from Flight Centre
Please bookmark this post and check back regularly. Because of the changeable nature of the situation, information is only as relevant and accurate as the minute it is posted. We will update the page with any relevant data.
This post was last updated: June 9, 2020 at 10:00 AM EST.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Steve at Steven@leadingout.net.
Information for Teachers in New Zealand
UPDATE:
As of midnight last night, NZ moved to alert level 1, which means things are “normal.” There is no longer a requirement for social distancing, schools operate as usual, all sport is able to start up again and bars and restaurants are back fully open.
PM Jacinda Arden has asked that people continue to maintain robust hygiene practices, and also keep records of their movements so that if needed, it can be used for contact tracing in the future.
Borders remain firmly closed to everybody except returning NZ citizens and residents.
For more details, check out the New Zealand’s international travel page.
Read more about New Zealand’s COVID-19 alert system here.
If you have questions or concerns about your specific situation, please reach out to Steve at steven@leadingout.net.
What can Leading Out Teachers do for work if the schools close?
EP will aim to give teachers work as ECE teachers, assuming ECE Centres are still open. Currently the best plan is working on finding our teachers long term jobs in schools—our contacts in New Zealand say there is still a shortage.
Is EP considering closing their office?
EP has no plans to close their office. Most people can work from home if necessary which means there will be no gap in support.
EP can provide arriving teachers, who have to self isolate for 14 days, with support via technology.
Where can I get more information about NZ schools and COVID-19?
You can find more information about COVID-19 and how it may affect New Zealand’s schools on the Ministry of Education’s COVID-19 page.
What is the current situation in New Zealand like in regards to COVID-19?
As of today (March 17, 2020) New Zealand has 8 cases. There’s no evidence of community transmission with all cases so far coming in from overseas.
All gatherings of more than 500 people are being canceled. We are rostering people working from home to build social distance. For advice from the New Zealand government about self-isolation click here.
Anyone arriving from offshore must register with Healthline and spend 14 days at home in self-isolation.
Current Flight Information From Flight Centre
For urgent assistance with destination issues outside of office hours please contact Flight Centre’s 24/7 Emergency Assist at 1-844-873-5491, or collect outside of North America at 1-416-979-6799.
NOTE: As this information is ever-changing, if you have booked through Flight Centre, the best option is to contact Flight Centre directly.
How can I change my departure date?
NOTE: On March 19, 2020 the New Zealand government closed the border to arrivals. Please contact Flight Centre for assistance in rebooking your departure date.
Dates currently can be changed for travel only in March/April, with the change fee waived – the airfare difference will still apply.
Depending on the airline and departure dates there may be waivers in place to help make this more affordable for you.
Travel must be rebooked by the end of March and, and likely completed by the end of this year (Dec 31 2020).
How can I change my return date?
Once again, the best thing to do is contact your Flight Centre agent directly for the most up-to-date information.
Any departures beyond April right now typically are still in regular airline Terms and Conditions unless the traveller has interruption insurance coverage.
What are the costs associated with changing a flight date?
Every airline is different depending on their departure/return date and when they bought the ticket. Flight Centre can help you determine this cost.
Is there any insurance that will cover costs of these changes?
This would be a covered risk provided you purchased your insurance prior to your specific insurance company’s drop date for COVID-19.
The two companies Flight Centre works with are Manulife (March 4) and Allianz (March 11).
As of these dates, the insurance companies no longer allow you to buy cancellation insurance and have COVID be a covered event – it’s now considered a known event.
Are there any currently any travel restrictions to and from New Zealand?
Flight Centre advises our guests to continue to check travel.gc.ca for the most up to date information for Canadians looking to travel to/from New Zealand.
As information is changing by the minute, we’re not able to notify every traveller.
As of March 19, 2020 New Zealand has further strengthened travel restrictions, closing its border to almost all travellers.
If you have a flight set to arrive in New Zealand, it must be postponed and rescheduled for when the borders open. We recommend you connect with a travel agent at Flight Centre to complete this process.
Read New Zealand’s current measures for COVID-19.
The Government of Canada has also released the following statement:
In an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions for their territory.
Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any specific restrictions related to this situation. Consider even your transit points.
Restrictions imposed could include:
- Entry bans, particularly for non-residents
- Exit bans
- Quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, regardless of where you are arriving from
- Health screenings
- Border closures
- Airport closures
- Flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations
- Suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options
Additional restrictions can be imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
- Monitor the media for the latest information
- Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans
- Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions
Current Medical Information from Flight Centre
Does the basic coverage that Flight Centre provides cover COVID-19 related illness?
Yes. This would be a covered risk provided you purchased your insurance prior to your specific insurance company’s drop date for COVID-19.
The drop dates are Manulife (March 4) and Allianz (March 11). If you purchased insurance on or before these dates, you’re covered.
How much will my insurance policy cover?
The amount covered varies with policies.
Emergency (unforeseen medical) coverage under Manulife:
- Under 60 plans: up to $5 million
- Youth plans: up to $1 million
Emergency (unforeseen medical) under Allianz:
- Under 60 plans: up to $10 million
- Youth plans: up to $1 million
Are there any additional nuances regarding medical coverage related to COVID-19?
If you have Emergency Medical benefits on your policy, departed on your trip prior to March 13, 2020 and contracted COVID-19 at your destination, you will continue to be eligible for Emergency Medical treatment.
There is an exception to this if the Government of Canada issued a Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisory for your trip destination prior to your departure date.
- Important update: For policies with Emergency Medical benefits that are purchased on or after March 13, 2020, any Emergency Medical claims related to coronavirus will not be payable.
Any questions or concerns? Please contact Steve at Steven@leadingout.net.
