31 January 2020

Deakin’s COVIDSafe FAQs

Updated Monday 18 July 2022

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COVIDSafe settings in Victoria

As we continue to live with COVID-19, there are important steps you should take to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself and those who are most at risk.

The risk of catching or passing the infection to others is higher if you are not up to date with your vaccinations, when you are in close contact with the person infected with COVID-19, lack basic hygiene, or if you spend time in poorly ventilated or crowded indoor settings.

There are things we can all do to make ourselves and others safer. As you live and work, remember these COVIDSafe principles:

Carry a face mask when leaving home. Face masks are required for everyone aged 8 and above in some locations, including on public transport and in sensitive settings such as hospitals and care facilities. See When to wear a face mask for more information.
We strongly recommend that you wear a face mask if you:
- are indoors
- have any COVID-19 symptoms
- are with people who are at high risk to COVID-19 are in a space where you cannot physically distance.
Get your next COVID-19 vaccine dose as soon as you are eligible. It’s strongly recommended you have three doses of the vaccine for the best protection. Book an appointment today at a GP or pharmacy.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested. If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, you must report your result and isolate for seven days.
If you have COVID-19, you must follow the Checklist for COVID cases. If you are a contact of someone who has COVID-19, you must follow the Checklist for COVID contacts, including isolating if required.
You can reduce your risk by maintaining 1.5-metre distance from others where possible, using hand sanitiser and practising good hygiene.

COVIDSafe settings at Deakin

From 20 June 2022, all students and visitors may attend Deakin University premises irrespective of your vaccination status.

This change will remove all previous obligations on Deakin to restrict and/or limit unvaccinated students and visitors from attending our premises, in alignment with the Government’s further easing of pandemic restrictions on 20 April 2022.

Please note if you are attending student placements in high-risk settings where vaccine mandates remain in place, you will still be subject to the relevant requirements of those industries.

Vaccination continues to actively protect your health

We continue to strongly encourage all eligible Deakin students and staff to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including any recommended booster shots.

Maintaining your vaccination schedule provides you the greatest individual protection against developing severe illness if you contract COVID-19, which in turn reduces the stresses on our health system and our dedicated and hard-working health professionals.

How to access support and assistance

Student Central: Student Central Hubs on our campuses are open. Student Central also offers a range of support services online. If you have a question about your enrolment or course, finances, or other issues, contact Student Central.
Deakin Library: All campus libraries are open to fully vaccinated staff and students. Contact the Library via Library Chat, email or phone. For operating hours and further information, visit Deakin’s Library website.
Study Support: Access a range of academic and study support online, including help from Language and Learning Advisers, Writing and Maths Mentors, and Smarthinking.
IT Help: Access IT Help online or over the phone, Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm and weekends, 11am–5pm.
Deakin Medical Centres: Offer free and confidential face-to-face or telehealth consultations for staff and students with a Medicare card or Overseas Student Health Cover. By appointment only – book online or by phone. You must always wear a face mask in the Deakin Medical Centre.
Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS): Students located in Australia can talk to one of our highly skilled social workers and psychologists. Telehealth appointments only – book online or by phone.
Safer Community: If you feel unsafe or need to report sexual harm or family violence, contact the Safer Community team online, by phone or by email.
Disability Resource Centre (DRC): The DRC is available Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm via phone or email.
Financial assistance: If you’re in financial difficulty, visit our Financial Assistance website for more information and contact a Financial Assistance Officer for personalised support. Financial support during COVID-19 is also available from the Victorian Government.
Multifaith Chaplains: Contact your preferred Multifaith Chaplain via phone or email for a confidential chat.