University update 16 July 2021

16 July 2021

Flinders University is closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and we are aligning our actions with advice from the Australian Government. This page will be regularly updated to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our community.

Latest advice on necessary actions and restrictions can be found on the SA Health website.

If you’re in the Northern Territory, please follow local advice available at the NT Health website.

Our South Australian students and staff should please note that:

• Masks are required in residential aged care facilities, and defined areas in hospitals and other high risk settings.
  • High risk settings include:
    • disability care facilities
    • prison or correctional facilities
    • Aboriginal community controlled health services
• Masks must also be worn in any indoor cinema, live theatre or performance venue where capacity exceeds 50%.
• There should not be more than 1 person per 2 square metres, and physical distancing of 1.5 metres in public should be observed where possible.
  • If physical distancing cannot be observed, face masks are strongly encouraged.
• People are strongly urged to strictly use QR codes where they are present on university premises and elsewhere.
• Anyone eligible to be vaccinated is strongly urged to do so.
• Please follow scrupulous hand hygiene, and if feeling unwell get COVID tested and stay at home.

Work Placement information for students

Flinders University highly recommends students undertaking placements in health, residential aged, or disability care settings receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

With the continuing presence of COVID-19 within the Australian community, the government and health care providers are constantly reviewing their vaccination requirements and this is relevant for both staff and students.

On the 28 June 2021 the National Cabinet mandated that everyone working residential aged care, including students, must receive at least the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by mid-September 2021. 

Some health placement host organisations have responded by mandating all students entering their facility must be fully vaccinated with immediate notice. Others are reviewing their vaccination requirements and we anticipate more such decisions in the coming weeks and months.

Students undertaking placements in health, aged or disability care facilities are currently eligible to receive a Pfizer vaccine, no matter their age.

We strongly urge students in health, aged and disability disciplines to get vaccinated as early as possible as we can’t guarantee you will be able to start, or complete, your placement if requirements change and you’re not vaccinated.

To book an appointment please visit the COVID-19 Vaccination website https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility and secure the earliest suitable vaccination time. Ensure you take your University letter stating you meet the eligibility requirements.

Noting host organisations will need evidence of your vaccination status remember to lodge your vaccination certificates onto InPlace. Your college Work Integrated Learning Team can provide any support you may need.

COVID-19 Vaccination – information for students

The COVID-19 vaccine is currently being rolled out in phases across Australia and we strongly encourage all students to get vaccinated once they have the opportunity to do so.

While the rollout of vaccines is positive, it is not a quick fix so it is still important to continue to practice good hygiene, practice physical distancing, and get tested and stay home when you’re unwell, particularly if you’re showing any symptoms of COVID-19.

Visit the SA Health website or the Department of Health website to find out more information on the vaccine and who is eligible for Phase 1b, which commenced on Monday, 22 March.