20 July 2021
Dear colleagues
As indicated by our Vice-Chancellor recently, today the SA government has announced a 7 day stay at home direction in response to the growing SA COVID-19 cluster. The direction will come into effect from 6pm Tuesday 20th July. The State government is acting swiftly and decisively to ensure this outbreak is brought under control and we will do the same.
Following this announcement, I write to advise that Flinders University will switch to work from home for all staff. Our South Australian physical facilities will be accessible by swipe card only from 6pm tonight. Your swipe card may be deactivated if your work on campus is not essential. If your work on campus is essential, including those who support resident students, critical infrastructure or research activities, see the section below regarding essential on-campus staff.
All staff and students are required to remain at home and work/study from home during this period, with limited exceptions. Please take essential IT equipment you need to conduct your work. Please be mindful that you may not return for some time and ensure you leave your work area safe before you leave this afternoon.
Working from home
As of 6pm tonight, staff and students are to work and/or study from home. This direction is currently in place for one week. Recent history would suggest this time period may be shortened or extended as the situation develops. Updates will be available through the SA Health COVID-19 website, and we will continue to provide updates via email.
In order to work from home a Working from Home – Work Health and Safety Agreement and Checklist is required to be submitted to your supervisor. If you have submitted this documentation previously, this remains valid. Staff who commenced more recently are required to complete the WFH agreement and checklist and provide to their immediate supervisor.
Information regarding leave
If your work is unable to be done from home, you are able to take Special Paid COVID leave and/or Annual leave.
If you have other questions regarding current leave plans, work with your immediate supervisor to find a solution.
Further information will be available on the COVID staff information website.
Essential on campus staff
Staff who are required on campus to maintain critical operations will need to be on a list of essential staff and require a “Letter of Transit” to identify you as an essential worker requiring on-site access. This letter should be kept with you at all times as it may be required by SAPOL or campus security.
Senior leadership are providing my office with a list of essential staff. If you feel you need to be included in this list, and suspect that you may not already be on it, please email vpcsoffice@flinders.edu.au with your title, first name, last name, email address and work area.
Ongoing updates, information and support
Recognising that this is a rapid response, we will provide further updates by email and on our COVID-19 website as new information emerges. Please check your emails and our website regularly for updates. If you have any questions or concerns, please email them to coronavirus@flinders.edu.au.
We will continue to align with SA Health advice, and we reinforce the message from the Premier and Professor Spurrier today of the importance of adhering to the stay-at-home order.
Take care and look after each other, and we will be in contact again soon.
Mark and the COVID Taskforce.
Mark A. Gregory
Vice President, Corporate Services (COO)