The principal of a high school on Auckland's North Shore has self-isolated after returning to New Zealand from northern Italy, an area which has seen an explosion in coronavirus cases - but not before she spent yesterday morning at the school.
Claire Amos, principal of Albany Senior High School, issued a statement on social media last night that detailed her trip overseas and her visit to the school.
She stressed to parents that she was not in "close contact" with any students.
"As you may well be aware, I was in Bologna, Italy, last week (as an invited speaker at an international education conference), and arrived back into the country on Sunday," she wrote.
"I can assure you that I was not in close contact with any students and do not believe my being at school posed a risk to any of our staff, students, or community members.
"I want to assure you that I am in excellent health and am following self-isolation as a precautionary measure as per this afternoon's updated Ministry of Health guidelines."
In an email to the Herald, Amos said this was an opportunity to lead by example in taking all necessary precautions and ensuring the community was well informed about the virus "so as to be able to respond in a caring, careful, and considered way".
"As a school, we recognize the wellbeing of our students, staff, and community is our absolute priority."
She said she was working from home for two weeks but still actively involved in leading the school remotely.
"Having recently traveled from Europe I am thankful to be in a country that has responded to the virus in what feels like a cautious yet considered manner and I believe it important to be following all Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education guidelines and advice.
"I have been heartened to the response of our students, teachers and the wider community who have shown their support and understanding of how we have responded to such a complex and evolving situation."
She stressed that her visit to the school yesterday was in accordance with current advice at that time, and she had checked with both the Ministry of Education and board of trustees.
"We are endeavouring to follow all official advice at all times. I would never do anything to put my students, staff or community at risk."
On a personal level, I'm doing fine and just thankful for living in a time when it is so easy to stay connected remotely and be able to work so effectively from home.
Italy's infections have ballooned 50 per cent in 24 hours to 1694.
Health officials in northern Italy sought to bring doctors out of retirement and accelerate nursing students' graduations to help an overwhelmed public health system.