OSCAR guidance overview
These Subsector Guidelines provide Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) providers with more information around the delivery of OSCAR programmes in the COVID-19 environment.
These guidelines have been prepared by the Ministry of Social Development – Manatū Whakahiato Ora in consultation with the Ministry of Health – Te Manatū Hauora.
As the COVID-19 situation changes, these guidelines may be amended or revised.
Vaccination
OSCAR staff are no longer required to be vaccinated unless a provider deems it necessary for staff to be vaccinated.
PPE
Need more masks
If you are a small provider or want under 20,000 masks, or you’re not sure how many you need, we recommend you contact your local Hub to receive your masks. Find your local hub
Want more than 20,000 masks
MSD is currently operating a bulk mask delivery process to support providers and community groups through the winter surge. If you require a large quantity of masks, please email us at Community_Information@msd.govt.nz with the following details:
- Provider / Community Group
- Contact(s)
- Contact number
- Delivery Address
- number of pallets (20,000 masks per pallet).
Ordering Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs)
If you are a small provider or want under 5,000 tests, or you’re not sure how many you need, we recommend you contact your local Hub to receive your tests.
Need more than 5,000 RAT tests
MSD is currently operating a bulk RATs delivery process to support providers and community groups through the winter surge. If you require a large quantity of RATs, please email us at Community_Information@msd.govt.nz with the following details:
- Provider / Community Group
- Contact(s)
- Contact number
- Delivery Address
- number of pallets (5,250 tests per pallet – 1,050 packs of 5)
Where to find free RATs on the Health NZ website
Personal Protective Equipment Central Supply – Ministry of Health
Rapid antigen test (RAT) – Ministry of Health
People who are symptomatic or a household contact can find out more at:
Masks
Masks are no longer required except for the following situations
- Providers still require masks if they are working with disabled children and immuno-compromised children
- If you are transporting children in a vehicle, masks are still required.
Gathering Limits
There are no limits to gatherings under the OSCAR advice. However, the standard OSCAR adult to children ratios and centre health and safety limits apply.
Isolation
If a child or staff member test positive for Covid-19 the person is required to isolate for seven days.
Household contacts do not have to isolate however they need to complete a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) every day for five days. So long as they test negative, they will be able to go about daily life as normal.
Ministry of Education
MOE (Ministry of Education) offers advice as it relates to COVID-19 within schools and ECE centres. However, the operational guidance of OSCAR will continue to come from MSD.
Other Information
You can see more information on COVID-19 on the following link
Next phase of our COVID-19 response | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
