Statement from Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin on the 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. 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.
I have advised students impacted by the coronavirus to contact our Student Central service for support and advice in the first instance.
What is the latest information?
As cases of the coronavirus are diagnosed in Australia, 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.
The Department of Health advises:
- Australia has well-established procedures to ensure people with illnesses travelling into the country are detected at the border.
- Airlines are already required to report passengers who show signs of infectious disease, including fever, sweats or chills, so sick travellers can be met and assessed by biosecurity officers when they arrive in Australia.
The World Health Organisation (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
How to stay 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: https://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/media-releases/articles/coronavirus-faqs
The Australian Department of Health is providing updates: www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus
The Department of Health has published an information sheet for students and staff of universities and vocational education facilities about novel coronavirus: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/novel-coronavirus-information-sheet-for-universities-and-vocational-education-facilities
The World Health Organization has established a coronaviruses webpage, with relevant links and resources: www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Official travel recommendations: www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/novel-coronavirus-outbreak
The University will continue to update its community as necessary in the days and weeks ahead.
