Coronavirus – Media Release 4th Feb 2020

Full Media Release: Coronavirus Release

As a student representative organization, Swinburne Student Union holds considerable concern for the health and wellbeing of any and all students, staff and community members that may be impacted either directly or indirectly from the emergence of the Novel Coronavirus.

Currently, Swinburne Student Union is continuing to consult with Swinburne University management surrounding the university’s existing and emerging response to this situation.

We have received recent advice from Swinburne stating there no plans to delay the start of the teaching semester at this time. Equally, all campus based O-Week and Welcome-Back Week activities are authorised to continue as planned.

We are further advised students can expect direct correspondence from the University regarding any additional potential plans soon.

As new details and actions come to light, SSU intends to continue providing University management with considered feedback and assistance to ensure any negative impacts to the student experience are appropriately understood, considered and mitigated.

Advice from the Health Authorities

On 1 February, the Australian Government announced that no one travelling from mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) would be allowed to enter Australia unless they are Australian citizens, permanent residents or immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependents).

Based on advice from the Australian Government:

• If a person has travelled to mainland China within the past 14 days, they must isolate themselves for 14 days after leaving mainland China.
• If a person has been in close contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, they must isolate themselves for 14 days after last contact with the confirmed case.

If you become unwell during this time, call the Swinburne Clinic at (03) 9214 8483, 1300 854 144 (out of hours) or the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services’ hotline on 1800 675 398

To protect yourself and others:

• Avoid contact with anyone who has a fever or cough
• Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Frequently cleaning hands is also advised and Swinburne is providing hand sanitiser for reception and common areas across our campuses.

Symptoms include (but are not limited to) fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.

International Students

Any international Swinburne students currently in China and needing advice can speak to an international student advisor at isa@swin.edu.au.

Classes Commencement

The Swinburne Student Union is has reached out for confirmation from Swinburne University regarding any changes in commencement schedule for classes. As of now there has been no communication regarding change of schedule, we will update you as soon as information is received.

Respectful Behaviour

The Swinburne Student Union strongly supports inclusivity and being respectful to everyone in the community. Everyone has the right to feel safe and supported on campus, free from discrimination, harassment and assault.

The SSU wants to explicitly condemn any xenophobic behaviour that arises in the wake of this virus and remind any students who require support to reach out to Swinburne’s Safer Communities program at swinburne.edu.au/current-students/student-services-support/personal-safety/ .

More information can be found at:

health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus

who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public