From the Chair
Well, just when we all thought we could relax a little, COVID-19 snuck up and bit us in the derriere! Our Committee has been hard at work developing a set of guidelines for us to use while we remain in Level 2 – “allowed to do things while being extra vigilant”. You can read the full guidelines on our website here but here’s a summary of the key points as they affect courses and workshops at SeniorNet.
- The Learning Centre remains open but with restrictions on social distancing
- Maximum of 7 people in a class with 3 tutors
- We’ll still have our mid-class break but there will be no morning or afternoon tea served – students are welcome to help themselves to water
- Tutors will not handle student’s devices and they will wear masks during exercises
- Students are encouraged to wear face coverings
All attendees at The Learning Centre are strongly encouraged to use the official COVID-19 Tracer App and we’ll be happy to assist anyone to get it installed on their smartphone or iPhone (indications are that the latest version works well on both Apple and Android devices). You can also access it yourself here or by going directly to the Apple Store or Google Play Store on your device- Key surfaces will be cleaned down after every class (desks, keyboards, kitchen surfaces etc). Hand sanitiser will be provided for everyone to use
- Regular Workshops (iOS, Android and Q&A) will move to online Zoom Sessions
- Students attending current (and future) courses under Level 2 will be contacted by the Lead Tutor. If you are uncomfortable about attending a face-to-face course, you are welcome to withdraw and we will give you priority access to the same course when it is next scheduled under Level 1
- The COVID-19 Helpdesk will be reinstated for members to gain access to technical assistance while we are in Level 2 (see details below)
Gosh, I don’t recall a Global Pandemic and nationwide Lockdown being included in the SeniorNet ChairPerson’s Job Description! What a month it’s been so far – thankfully New Zealand, unlike many other countries appears to have taken decisive action early enough to make a difference. Please stay safe, stay at home and we can save lives.