The New Zealand Government has established an Alert system in response to the Covid-19 pandemic which is rapidly developing around the world. The alert system outlines the restrictions that will be put in place as the covid-19 situation continues to develop.

We currently sit at Alert Level 2. "Educational facilities close" is part of Alert Level 4. Also in level 4 is "People instructed to stay at home" and "Rationing of supplies and requisitioning of facilities". Why does the government refuse to close our universities and schools until the point where we need to shut ourselves inside.

We are putting our health and the health of our community members at risk by keeping the University open. Massey university, Auckland Univeristy and the University of Cantebury have all moved their classes online. Its time we folliw suit. Otago has told students they will transition our courses online over the next few weeks. The time taken to close allows Covid-19 to spread further through our community. 

We can see the devastating effects covid-19 is having in countries around the world. We cannot be so foolish to believe our university is safe because we haven't seen a case in our community.