The health and safety of all our staff and students is paramount at the University of South Australia.
UniSA is working diligently with local and national health authorities to support the international effort to reduce the impact and spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to support our community in what is a challenging time.
March 6, 11.42 am
All staff email from UniSA Chief Operating Officer, Paul Beard
Dear Colleagues,
Yesterday, the Australian government extended the existing travel ban in place for China and Iran, to now include South Korea. Only Australian citizens and permanent residents arriving from these countries will be allowed to enter Australia and they must then self-isolate for 14 days. All other travellers from these destinations will not be permitted to enter Australia.
The significant outbreak of the COVID-19 virus is a rapidly changing situation. Our insurer has now notified us that – in respect of new travel bookings – they will no longer provide cover for cancellation and amendments costs relating to the COVID-19 virus, which is now considered to be a ‘foreseen event’.
In light of these changes and the possibility of further restrictions, with immediate effect and until further notice, all international travel is to be deferred unless essential.
- For new travel bookings, requests to travel internationally are subject to an essential travel test (as assessed and approved by a Senior Management Group member) and require the completion of the University’s High-Risk Travel Questionnaire, available to download from the Travel Policies and Guidelines web page.
- For existing travel bookings which have not yet commenced, the University’s Travel Team will work with affected travelers to complete high-risk travel questionnaires, or to reschedule or cancel existing non-essential flights and accommodation.
- For travelers currently overseas, the University will assess each case on an individual basis and may require the traveler to make alternative arrangements, which the University will facilitate.
The safety of our staff and students is our paramount concern and we will continue to monitor the situation and advise of any changes to this position.
It is strongly recommended that all international travel plans – including personal or holiday travel – are registered with the Australian Government’s Smartraveller service: smartraveller.gov.au.
I would like to take this opportunity to again remind all travelers that if any assistance is required while travelling, the University has partnered with International SOS to offer our staff and students medical, safety and security advice, referrals, emotional support, routine and emergency assistance when travelling or living abroad. International SOS can be contacted by calling +61 2 9372 2468. More information about the University’s emergency travel assistance can be found by clicking here.
