Published 17 March 2020
Last updated 12 August 2020
While the full extent of COVID-19's global impact is yet unknown, we must take precautionary measures to protect ourselves, our employees and our business. We believe it is up to every individual to do their part.
While hospitals and governments work to keep people healthy and safe, many businesses are trying to find the right policies and protocols to put in place. Below is our policy that might be of use.
This is the COVID-19 policy for Soda and was made effective from 17 March* (*updated as the situation develops)
Last updated 12 August 2020
Application
- This policy applies to all Soda staff.
- The policy is provided to all co-workers located at Wintec House for their guidance.
- This is a temporary policy and will stay in place until further notice.
- The policy will be reviewed every 48 hours to ensure that it complies with NZ Government Health guidelines any updates to the policy will be emailed to all Soda Staff by the Operations Manager.
Level 1 to Level 2
Soda Operations
Following the Prime Ministers announcement latest announcement on August 11, 2020 Soda Inc. remains operational while adhering to the Ministry of Health guidelines. Our coworking space remains open.
Working from Home (WFH)
- If Soda staff have any signs of illness, including sniffles, sore throat etc, they must work from home until the symptoms have been clear for 24 hours.
Meetings
- Where possible, meetings will be virtual.
Attending Events
- Soda staff may attend work events that adhere to the Ministry of Health Guidelines of 100 people or less in Level 2 regions.
Organising Events
- Soda staff can continue to organise Soda events for the future as long as they adhere to the Ministry of Health Guidelines.
Business Travel
- Soda staff may travel domestically for business in the Level 2 regions.
- No staff are permitted to travel to Auckland while it remains in Level 3.
At risk people
- If you have close family/friends or people you live with who are at risk, you should continue to be particularly careful and caring.
Self-Isolation
- Contact Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453, or your GP if you begin to feel unwell. The symptoms of COVID-19 are cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
Soda Coworking Space
Soda's coworking space remains open during level 2.
It’s important to understand what level 2 means in a general sense. The message to “stay safe” hasn’t changed. The restrictions centre around, social distancing, public health measures and border controls.
Keep your distance when out and about
- 2 metres in public and in retail stores, like supermarkets and clothes shops.
- 1 metre in most other environments like workplaces, cafes, restaurants, and gyms.
If you're unwell
- If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work. Don’t socialise.
- If you have symptoms of cold or flu call your doctor or Healthline and get advice about being tested.
- If you have been told to self-isolate you must do so immediately.
Masks
At Alert Level 2, the risk of COVID-19 being present in the community is higher. You should wear masks in situations where physical distancing is not possible, like on public transport or in shops. As an individual you need to make sure you have masks available for your use.
Please be assured cleaning regimes are in place, and we have hand sanitiser readily available in all areas of the Soda coworking space.
Keeping safe will be an ongoing focus for us and that means continuing contact tracing, keeping up the intense levels of cleaning and yes, wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands will continue to be the mantra for everyone – that’s good basic hygiene at any time and will help minimise winter illness levels generally as well . So too, will staying home if you are unwell - sometimes it seems like going to work while ‘a little sick’ is a bit of a national past-time. Please don’t – for your colleagues’ sake.
As we are part of the Wintec campus we must follow Wintec's move to using the NZ COVID Tracer app. This means all staff, students and visitors should download the app and scan the new QR codes that are relevant to each Wintec campus. You can also register your details through the web app at tracing.covid19.govt.nz. This is part of a New Zealand-wide approach to encourage everyone to use the same system for more accurate contact tracing.
You can read details about all Alert Levels here.
It is important to stay updated on health guidelines from trusted organisations like NZ Ministry of Health, World Health Organization, & Centers for Disease Control. Ensure you're getting information from reliable sources to avoid spreading misinformation.