Dear staff,
Advice and directions to the Flinders community in response to the current SA COVID-19 cluster.
The South Australian Premier has this afternoon announced new Advice and Directions designed to address the Parafield Gardens COVID-19 cluster. The advice and directions will come into effect from midnight tonight and are expected to apply for two weeks.
The State government is acting swiftly and decisively to ensure this outbreak is brought under control and we will do the same.
We continue to monitor developments very closely and will take additional measures as required.
The Premier has continued to prioritise education as an essential activity, and schools and universities will remain open.
University facilities and services
All university facilities will remain open for the time-being, including our Libraries, College Offices and Student Service points.
Working arrangements
Staff who are able to undertake their work from home should do so in consultation with their supervisor. This should be put into effect as soon as practicable and will continue until 30 November unless otherwise advised.
The University will assume that the working from home arrangements which were approved by staff supervisors earlier this year will continue and staff will not need new documentation to work from home. Please advise your supervisor if your circumstances and home working arrangements have changed.
Some activities require staff to attend our South Australian campuses. Where presence on campus is necessary, supervisors are asked to roster teams on campus to reduce the number of staff present at any given time.
Staff with increased vulnerability to COVID-19 should work from home. Advice on those people with increased vulnerability to COVID-19 is provided by the Federal Department of Health.
Work meetings
Given that many staff may be working from home, scheduled meetings should use video conference facilities where possible. Where face to face meetings are held please ensure physical distancing and density requirements are met.
Events
All events organised to occur between 17-30 November are to be cancelled or postponed to a later date. This includes the Graduation Celebration events planned for next week. The University will advise Graduates of this disappointing turn of events.
Examinations
Examinations will continue for students so they can complete their assessments this semester. Examination rooms have been checked to ensure that they are taking place in a room which provides for 4 square metres per person, as well as ensuring 1.5 metres distance between people in the room.
Masks
Masks are not required, but are recommended to be worn by staff and students where physical distancing may be difficult. It is further suggested that staff and students consider wearing masks in other public places to minimise potential risks.
Travel
All work-related travel should be reconsidered for the next two weeks, and interstate travel must be re-approved by supervisors.
Ongoing information and support
The University continues to provide and update general information at the following websites:
I again take this opportunity to remind you of the Employee Assistance Program. Further information on this staff service can be accessed at this link.
Finally
The Flinders University community has demonstrated its agility, cooperation and resilience earlier in this pandemic, and I have no doubt you will all rise to this fresh challenge. Our swift action and adherence to best practice will ensure that we do our part to help South Australia to overcome this outbreak as quickly and decisively as possible.
Stay safe and look out for each other.
Clare
Professor Clare Pollock
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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