Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

• DVC (Research) update: 31 March
  
• Vice-Chancellor update: 27 March
• DVC (Students) update: 27 March
  
• DVC (Research) update: 27 March
  
• Changes to Library spaces: 25 March
• DVC (Students) update: 24 March
• Virtual Town Hall livestream: 25 March
  
• Campus retail and services update: 23 March
• Social distancing and working from home: 20 March
• Strong start for online uptake: 20 March
• Staff leave: 18 March
  
• Positive COVID-19 notification at Flinders University: 18 March
• Vice-Chancellor update: 16 March
• DVC (Students) update: 16 March

What is the novel coronavirus COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). They are found worldwide in humans and animals.

A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. This novel coronavirus is closely related to SARS (hence the virus has been described as SARS-CoV-2). The World Health Organization has formally named it COVID-19 (a shortened form of Coronavirus disease - 2019)

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 infection?

Symptoms include (but are not limited to):

• fever,
• cough,
• fatigue,
• shortness of breath,
• rapid breathing,
• sore throat, and
• runny nose.

Occasionally only gastrointestinal symptoms are present (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea).

What should I do if I have some of the symptoms of COVID-19?

• If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above and are concerned it could be related to COVID-19 please phone your doctor or the Flinders University Health, Counselling and Disability Service Centre on 8201 2118 (weekdays 8.45am to 5pm).  
• SA Health advise that you should tell your doctor or health clinic when making your appointment that it is related to COVID-19 and you have recently (within 14 days) returned from overseas or have spent time with someone recently arrived or diagnosed with COVID-19. This will assist the doctor to manage your appointment appropriately. 

How do I notify the University that a student or staff member has a suspected or a confirmed case of COVID-19?

If a student or a staff member has reported that they have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 then you need to report this to the University via email coronavirus@flinders.edu.au. The information will then be followed up by the WHS Unit, who will liaise where required with the Department of Health. Further details of the notification process can be found in COVID-19 Notification procedures (PDF).

How can I protect myself against COVID-19?

Precautions advised by public health experts include:

• Frequently cleaning hands with soap and warm water, or where unavailable an alcohol-based hand rub.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover the mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
  
• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention early and share your recent travel history with your health care provider when making your appointment.

We have also installed hand sanitiser dispensers at Bedford Park, Sturt and Tonsley campuses. See below.

Is there hand sanitiser on campus for me to use?

We have made hand sanitiser available at the locations listed below at Bedford Park, Sturt and Tonsley.

Are there quarantine requirements regarding students and staff returning from high risk areas?

Australia’s borders are now closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you and your immediate family members can return to Australia.

Changes from 11.59pm Saturday 28 March

From 11:59pm on Saturday 28 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia via air or seaports must undergo 14 days of isolation in the city of their arrival.

At overseas airports, Australian Border Force liaison officers will work with airlines to identify travellers who should not board flights.

The Australian Government will provide accommodation for the quarantine period.

If your final destination is in a different state or territory, you must still complete your quarantine in the state or territory you arrived in, before returning home.

States and territories will enforce these requirements with support from the Australian Government. This includes the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Border Force, if needed.

View more information.

What does self-isolation mean if I do not live alone?

The South Australian Centre for Disease Control (SACDC) advises that self-isolation does not affect any other person you live with unless they also meet the criteria above. The advice is that your family or housemates do not need to self-isolate.

The SACDC advises those in self-isolation should not attend public places and not allow visitors to their home or residence. They should wear a surgical mask when using common areas in the house and should practice good hygiene.

If the isolated person needs to go out of their home they are advised to wear a surgical mask. 

What happens if I am being tested for COVID-19 infection?

You will need to follow the advice of your doctor and where required the SA Health Department. If you are advised by your doctor or SA Health not to attend University for a period of time, please contact your College or supervisor.

Test results will usually be available within approximately 24 hours.

Where can I get accurate information about the global situation?

The World Health Organization is monitoring and managing this virus outbreak with global health authorities. Information can be accessed from the Department of Health  or the World Health Organization.

What should I do if I notice a staff member or student not complying with Health Department advice regarding quarantine?

• If you are the supervisor of the staff member you should seek advice from People and Culture.
• If you are not the supervisor of the staff member then you should bring your concerns to the supervisor of the staff member.
• Staff may talk to a student or colleague in regards to their welfare, and to ensure they are aware of the current advice, however there are many conditions that cause cold or flu-like symptoms.

Should pregnant staff or students take any other precautions?

Currently we believe there is currently no evidence that pregnant women are more at risk, as long as they are otherwise healthy. If any pregnant staff or students have concerns, we can arrange specialist advice.

Pregnant women, like others, should engage in usual preventive actions to avoid infection, like avoiding people who are sick with infectious illnesses, avoid touching of the face, mouth, nose and eyes with unclean hands and practicing good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes and wiping down surfaces.

What are the current limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings?

The National Cabinet agreed that from 30 March 2020 there will be a limit to both indoor and outdoor gatherings of two persons only.

Exceptions to this limit include:

• people of the same household going out together
• funerals - a maximum of 10 people
• weddings - a maximum of 5 people
• family units. 

Individual states and territories may choose to mandate and/or enforce this requirement. 

National Cabinet’s strong guidance to all Australians is to stay home unless for:

• shopping for what you need - food and necessary supplies
• medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements
• exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements
• work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.

National Cabinet agreed that playgrounds, skate parks and outside gyms in public places will be closed. Bootcamps will be reduced to two persons, including the trainer. 

Read more here.

I am experiencing stress or anxiety regarding the virus. Can I talk to someone?

Flinders University offers services for students and staff seeking support

• Students can contact our Health, Counselling and Disability Service Centre on 8201 2118 or the Out of Hours Crisis Service on 1300 512 409 04 text 0488 884 103.
• Staff can access support via the University’s Employee Assistance Program

Remember, if you have symptoms please phone your doctor or the University’s health service in the first instance.

If you have seen a doctor and have been advised to undertake self-isolation, counselling support can be accessed by phone.

How are we addressing the impact of these changes and social isolation on mental health among staff and students?

While our campus facilities are still available for students, such as our computer laboratories and study spaces – we understand the significant changes on campus may leave staff and students feeling isolated or alone.

We have a range of support services for students online, including our Online Hub and the Flinders Support Network and we invite students to reach out if they would like to discuss any concerns or speak generally about how they're feeling.

Flinders staff are invited to visit our health and wellbeing page which contains information on our Employee Assistance Program and tips for looking after their mental health during this time.

Am I covered by travel insurance if I have to cancel my flights or book flights out of a high-risk country?

The University’s travel insurers have advised that COVID-19 is now considered a ‘known event’ for all countries, which means claims for costs relating to COVID-19 are unlikely to be covered by the University’s travel insurance.

Australia’s borders are now closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. There is also a ban on all overseas travel, with few exceptions.

For staff and students’ personal travel, the University’s travel insurance does not apply. Check with your travel insurance provider and contact your travel agent or airline for refunds, rebooking fees, etc.

• Students - further information about travel insurance.
• Staff - further information about travel insurance.

More information about staff travel insurance.

What if a staff member is unable to return from abroad?

There are currently unprecedented numbers of Australians trying to make their way home. Most countries still have arrangements in place to allow Australians to leave. But in many cases, the window of opportunity to do so is closing. If you want to come back to Australia, and commercial flights are available, take them as soon as possible. 

Please contact your supervisor who will liaise with People and Culture and consider the options in regards to your particular situation. Please also email coronavirus@flinders.edu.au

Who falls under the category of a vulnerable person?

SafeWork Australia’s definition of vulnerable people includes:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 50 years old with one or more chronic conditions.
• People 65 years and older and one or more chronic conditions.
• People 70 years and older.
• People with compromised immune systems.

Visit the Department of Health website for more information on people with chronic health conditions.

Vulnerable people should speak with health professional if concerned.

Should I be working from home from now on?

If you are identified as a vulnerable person you may be required to work from home.

To ensure working arrangements for staff are managed safely and appropriately, the following conditions apply:  

1. Staff must complete the Working from Home Agreement and if not already completed the Work Health and Safety Checklist and obtain the necessary approvals of their supervisor and manager. Supervisors and managers must confirm that the work is both required and can be undertaken safely and effectively at home.
   

Your People and Culture Business Partner can provide further advice as necessary.

Do I need to take leave if I need to isolate myself?

Staff should phone their supervisor to notify absence from work for the purpose of self-isolation, and discuss if there is work that could reasonably be undertaken while isolated. If this is not possible then your supervisor will need to liaise with People and Culture for options to manage your absence from work.

View more information on leave and working from home.

I could perform my duties at home but I'd need to upgrade my internet connection (or get a connection set up) - will the University contribute to these extra costs?

No, however these are claimable expenses through your income tax return to the ATO.

I could perform my duties remotely, but I have circumstances that mean I can't work from home. What are my options?

You should discuss with your manager what options may be available.

Hand sanitiser - can we get refills? And where on campus is hand sanitiser located?

Going forward, can you please make sure the bottles containing the hand sanitiser we’ve provided are retained. You can obtain refills by taking your bottle to:

• Central campus – PFD maintenance operations building (adjacent to car park 9)
• Sturt – caretaker’s office via caretaking request in Service One
• Tonsley and Victoria Square – please let us know via Service One, General Property or Facilities Query and we’ll arrange your refills

Staff can also bring in their own bottles (up to 375mL) for refills as well.

There are shared hand sanitising units for everyone to use at various locations across campus. While we’re still in transition, the locations of these units are subject to change. View the latest locations.

Our best defence remains for people to wash their hands with soap and water properly for 20 seconds, to continue to use good cough and sneeze etiquette, to adhere to social distancing guidelines and to stay away from work and others if you’re unwell.

How can we get some desk wipes?

Our next commercial delivery of desk wipes is expected in a couple of weeks and we will distribute these to you when they arrive. Our current priority is to supply high traffic student facing service points.

To augment our efforts, you can place orders through Winc stationery supplies as you normally would to ensure your ongoing availability of supplies. Alternatively you can also purchase retail stock through regular retail outlets (Coles etc).  Mark Gregory has indicated that corporate credit cards can be used for this purpose.

Cleaning services?

College fronts, service points and high traffic common areas are being cleaned daily. Staff are responsible for cleaning their own work points – this includes desks, screens and keyboards and individual office door handles. This is particularly important for staff using hot desks.

If any staff member is symptomatic we will arrange for cleaning and this can be requested through Service One. If a staff member is confirmed positive for COVID-19 cleaning will be undertaken in line with Safework and WHS’s specific instructions. This will be coordinated centrally by WHS.

Using kitchens

In relation to kitchen areas, it’s good practice to follow these simple steps:

• Don’t share food
• Use paper towels instead of tea towels or dish cloths if possible
• Use dishwashers if possible
• Keep surfaces clean and observe physical distancing recommendations
• Keep your own coffee cup on your desk, not in the kitchen
• If staff are worried about the cleanliness of shared cutlery and crockery, then they are welcome to bring in their own

Security

While many staff were working from home over the last few weeks, the security team relocated to a new space next to Flinders Connect on the Plaza (central library level 0, room 002). You can access them at this service point or by calling 8201 2800, email security@flinders.edu.au. In an emergency first call 000.

Parking

Staff, students and visitors still need valid parking sessions when on campus Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. You can find all the information you need on the parking webpage, or use the parking query form on Service One.

Which retail and food outlets are open?

Some of our retailers have remained open throughout and others are returning to campus over the next few weeks and months. It’s likely opening times will be subject to change and menus may be a little different for a while. View the latest information about retailers. Like all businesses, this has been a challenging time for our campus retailers. If you are able to purchase from them, they’d love your support.

Fleet cars

If you have booked a fleet car, wipes will be provided for you to clean the inside of the vehicle prior to and after you use the car. Please continue to pick up keys and vehicles from PFD Operations adjacent to car park 9 as usual.

If you choose to use your own vehicle instead during this time, please complete the private vehicle form.

Are mail and courier services available?

Mail and courier services returned to business as usual on Monday 18 May.

We greatly appreciate your assistance to help keep these campus services running smoothly and we’ll do our best to action your requests as soon we can. Please share this information with your areas and if you have any other queries please call us on 8201 2733 or Service One.

How are we maintaining social distancing on campus (including in meeting rooms)?

Our planning team has been working with your areas to make sure there’s appropriate distancing for staff work areas and to calculate the maximum number of people for meeting rooms. For clarity, in coming weeks the following guidelines will apply to gatherings which are necessary for university business including:

• Teaching and learning activities
• Research activities
• Professional, office and other activities in support of the above
• Committee meetings and other meetings necessary for our business.
  View meeting room adjusted capacities for rooms you can book via Outlook.

Where these are being held:

• Ensure at least 4sqm per person in any indoor space 
• Endeavour to ensure 1.5 m between people at all times
• Currently during Step 1, limit indoor gatherings to 10 people
• During Step 2, limit indoor gatherings to 20 people
• Once Step 3 is announced, in-principle gatherings of up to 100 people could be held, however  in practice at this point the size of gathering will be determined by the maximum room capacity whilst maintaining 4sqm per person.

If an area of the University needs to hold a gathering which does not follow these guidelines then a risk assessment should be undertaken of the particular activity. The risk assessment would document the additional controls in place to reduce the infection risk over and above those generally in place and any particular local factors which mitigate the risk.  

You will have noticed floor decals being placed at high traffic student service points and common areas. These decals remind people to keep a 1.5m physical distance and help to ensure people stay a safe, healthy and appropriate space away from others. If your area would like additional posters to remind people about physical distancing there are a suite of posters available from the Department of Health and free to download (select colour print, A3 size). If you would like larger posters, these can be ordered through Flinders Press and you will need an account number.

WHS and PFD are working together to provide advice and assistance on appropriate work point spacing for staff areas. If there are particular areas that you are concerned about, please let us know.

Is Flinders Sport & Fitness open?

Flinders Sport & Fitness has reopened. Hours are restricted and members need to contact the gym to restart their membership. View further information.

Are there any prayer rooms open?

Oasis and the prayer rooms at Tonsley, Sturt and McHughs remain closed. This is in line with the advice and actions of the Federal Government.

Is UniSuper still available for consultations?

UniSuper is replacing face-to-face appointments with video and phone meetings—a service they have already offered to some members in more remote locations. All UniSuper campus and city offices are closed to members until further notice. Read more about UniSuper's response to COVID-19, and how to book an appointment.