CLASSES may still be going ahead, but Charles Sturt University (CSU) has banned all non-essential events and international travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia has grown to 379, with 171 of those in NSW.
All on-campus classes are going ahead with appropriate hygiene advice to staff and students, CSU said in a statement released late on Monday.
"We are prepared to close a campus at any stage if directed to do so by the public health unit or if a situation emerges that we deem to be a high risk," it said.
"As an experienced provider of online learning, we will enable our students to switch to online modes if face-to-face is not available."
CSU staff will have the ability to work from home if required and critical operations have continuity plans to "enable us to continue operations should an outbreak occur".
"We are actively monitoring all developments regarding the respiratory illness outbreak COVID-19 and its potential spread," the statement said.
READ MORE: NSW unveils $2.3b coronavirus package
Staff and student travel
We have suspended all international travel for staff and any upcoming global mobility programs for students.
We are reviewing future programs on a case-by-case basis and support the government mandated advice to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from any overseas travel.
Non-essential events
The university has cancelled all non-essential events. CSU is working with students, staff and stakeholders to ensure any cancellations are communicated.
Cancelled events include:
- Student social events
- Marketing days and expos
- Individual high-school visits
- Industry events and expos
- Student and staff club events
CSU will update this list here daily and will reconsider its position on events on June 1, 2020.
This also applies to all staff based face-to-face conferences and gatherings, which will be moved online or postponed.
Residential schools
CSU is running residential schools this week, however, will notify students on Tuesday about the status of residential schools from March 23.
Your health and wellbeing
Washing your hands often, and properly is the single most effective way to stop the spread of disease:
- Frequently clean hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
- When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue - throw tissue away immediately and wash hands
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider
The National Coronavirus Health Information Line is now live on 1800 020 080, providing public health and situation informational.
The line will refer requests for medical advice to registered nurses on healthdirect - 1800 022 222. The line operates Monday-Friday from 8am to 8pm, Saturdays from 8am to 5pm, and Sundays from 9am to 5pm.
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
