Coronavirus update for Deakin’s students and staff
PLEASE NOTE: For the most current information on Deakin’s response to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak please read Deakin’s coronavirus FAQs.
**UPDATED, 4.45pm Thursday 30 January
The Federal Government Department of Health Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) has updated its advice. Please refer to the FAQ ‘Can I attend the University?’.
***END OF UPDATE***
Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin, yesterday released a statement about the ongoing coronavirus situation.
‘Deakin is continuing to review and monitor the coronavirus situation as it unfolds. We have a response team in place and the University is communicating with our people as information comes to hand,’ said Professor Martin.
‘As always, the safety of our people and community is the top priority and we stand ready to support our students and staff, both in Australia and overseas.’
How can Deakin help you if your studies have been impacted?
Professor Martin has advised students impacted by the coronavirus outbreak to contact Student Central in the first instance for advice and support.
Please see our Coronavirus FAQs for more information about how Deakin can help you if your studies have been affected by the coronavirus situation. These FAQs will be updated as necessary once more information comes to hand.
What to do if you are feeling unwell and could have been exposed to the outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
If you suspect you may have symptoms of the coronavirus, do not attend a Deakin Medical Centre, but visit your local doctor or a hospital emergency department as soon as possible. Phone ahead, where possible, to advise of your symptoms and travel history.
There are several ways to help prevent the spread of infection:
- Regularly wash your hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms such as coughing and sneezing.
- Act swiftly if you are feeling unwell and may have been exposed.
What do I need to know at this stage?
At the time of publishing, Australia has five confirmed cases of coronavirus and health experts are exploring preventative measures to contain the spread of infection.
‘Deakin remains in close contact with the relevant authorities and is ready to take the appropriate measures as required. For now, the University continues to operate as usual,’ said Professor Martin.
‘The University will continue to update its community as necessary in the days and weeks ahead.’
Read Professor Martin’s full statement on the Current Students website.
Staying up to date
- Deakin has published a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with advice and information for our community. The FAQs will be updated as more information becomes available.
- The Australian Department of Health is providing updates.
- The Department of Health has also published an information sheet for students and staff of universities and vocational education facilities about novel coronavirus.
- The World Health Organization has established a coronaviruses webpage, with relevant links and resources:
- Smartraveller can provide official travel updates and recommendations.
The University will continue to update our community as necessary in the days and weeks ahead.