COVID-19 information

• Vice-Chancellor update: 1 May
  
• Vice-Chancellor update: 20 April
  
• Student support fund: 3 April
  
• Flinders COVID-19 student support package: 2 April
  
• DVC (Research) COVID-19 online forum: 2 April
• 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.

Do I have to wear a mask while on a Flinders University site?

While face masks are not mandatory, SA Health strongly recommends that you wear a mask on any South Australian university campus.

Masks are required in:

• High risk settings
• Personal care services (but not by the customer if it inhibits the service)
• Health care services
• Passenger transport services
• Indoor fitness facilities (except while exercising)
• Shared indoor public places
• Outdoor sporting events for spectators

Please remember that some people may be unable to wear masks due to a medical condition or disability. For a full list of those exempt from wearing masks, please visit the SA Government website.

By wearing a mask, you are helping create a safer environment for those who cannot.

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?

View the State Government information.

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.

Interstate travel

Interstate travel for staff and students is not recommended due to the high uncertainty and constant changing of border restrictions due to COVID-19 outbreaks.  

The recommendation to not travel interstate applies to all field work, WIL Placements and travel for other reasons.

If travel interstate is deemed necessary then the following must be met;

• Approval given by the VPED/ Portfolio head
• The travel must not breach any Government travel restrictions – i.e.  to a declared exposure site or require entry/ exit via a restricted State/ Territory border crossing.
• That the traveller is aware that they will be responsible for all costs associated with any required quarantine or self-isolation.
• All government requirements around social distancing, hygiene and infection control can be managed for the travel, accommodation, and the activity.

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.

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

AGREED PRINCIPLES

COVID-19 Special Paid Leave (up to 10 days):

• Will be prorated for part-time or casual staff.
• Can now be booked via Workday for continuing and fixed-term staff.
• Personal/Carer’s Leave is to be used if someone is sick.

Does the 10-days paid Special Leave, precede other types of leave during the current government-imposed campus closure or does it become available once all Annual or Long Service Leave are consumed?

For staff who are unable to work from home, the provision of up to 10 days Special Paid Leave for COVID reasons can be accessed immediately. Please note, this is based on full-time equivalent employment fraction (1FTE). Staff who work a smaller fraction will be eligible for the equivalent to their fraction i.e. if employed 0.8FTE, you can access up to 8 days over a 2-week period.

NOTE: Supervisors are required to approve and identify staff who are unable to perform duties at home

I am a casual professional staff member and there is no longer any work for me.  How does the 10 days COVID-19 Special Paid Leave apply to me?

If you were rostered for work in the next 6 days, you will be paid what you would have been rostered for during this time (up to a maximum of 10 days) based on what you were working over the past 2 to 3 pay periods.

I am a casual employee – how do I apply for the leave?

Casual Professional staff will be required to submit a timesheet of their regular worked hours. 

Casual Academic staff will have their current schedule processed.

Please email your request to Helen Barnes (Payroll Manager) helen.barnes@flinders.edu.au  confirming the request for COVID-19 SPL. When the COVID special leave is exhausted and there is no further work, staff should contact Centrelink Services. 

I can perform my duties at home, but I need to upgrade my internet connection (or get a connection set up).  Will the University contribute to these extra costs?

No, the University will not contribute to your internet connection, 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?

COVID Special leave is available for 10 working days, once the COVID leave is exhausted annual and Long Service leave may be accessed.

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.