Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Last updated:4.10pm, 18 September 2020
Changes to health declaration requirements
As per the Victorian Government’s reopening roadmap, from Monday 14 September until the end of Step 2 (not before 26 October) individuals must complete a Health Declaration prior to and each day/shift they access campus or a workplace. Attendance on campus during current restrictions is limited to those with a valid worker permit or students approved for permitted in person activities. Find out more below.
Do not come to campus if you are unwell and have any of the following symptoms, however mild: fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of sense of taste or smell.
Follow this guide about getting tested for COVID-19 and how to notify the University. You must notify the University if you test positive for COVID-19 or if one of your staff or students notify you that they have tested positive for COVID-19.
Recent changes and developments
- From 11:59pm on Sunday 13 September, First step to reopening restrictions apply in metropolitan Melbourne. From 11.59pm on Wednesday 16 September Third step to reopening restrictions apply throughout regional Victoria. Visit the Department of Health and Human Services website for information on what this means for you.
- In line with the Victorian Government's COVID-19 roadmap to reopening, the University will maintain our current level of on-campus activity, until at least Monday 26 October.
- The University’s return to campus roadmap has been updated and aligns to the different steps outlined by the government.
- Information for staff about permitted worker permits and childcare permits is available.
- Current information regarding confirmed cases of COVID‑19.
- Access information and health declaration forms for people with approval to return to campus.
The University of Melbourne continues to work closely with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Australian Government, the Victorian Government and health experts. Our number one priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our University community and we are doing everything we can to reduce the rates of infection in the community.
Our COVID‑19 response
We have launched a range of support packages for students who are experiencing unexpected financial challenges because of COVID‑19.
All student services, including our library services, are being delivered virtually. Our virtual campus brings together vital information for everyone in our community.
We have enhanced our health and wellbeing services, including telehealth and a COVID‑19 Health Hotline through our Health Service, the Safer Community Program, Counselling and Psychological Services and a new outreach program for students. COVID‑19 testing is available for students and staff at the University of Melbourne Health Service.
We changed census, withdrawal and fee due dates, updated special consideration requirements, and extended the revised Weighted Average Mark (WAM) calculation methods from First Half Year 2020 to Second Half Year 2020 (including winter subjects).
We have automatically extended the candidature and stipend for graduate researchers nearing the end of their candidature and will do the same for others after three years where their project has been affected by the pandemic.
We continue to do priority campus-based research, safely and in compliance with government and health advice. An example is our internationally important COVID‑19 research undertaken at the Peter Doherty Institute, a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
We have introduced a range of COVID‑19 related workplace entitlements to support our staff.
Delivery of physical goods and services has been impacted, suppliers can find out more here.
Further information
Report a case of COVID-19
If you have been tested for COVID-19, follow DHHS advice and please let the University know so we can support you.
You must notify the University if you test positive or if one of your staff or students notifies you that they have tested positive for COVID-19. Following the correct notification process will help protect the entire community.
Testing and notification process for COVID-19
Virtual campus
The University has transitioned to a virtual campus model which maximises opportunities for students to study effectively, while maintaining the quality and standards of our degrees and sense of community. Classes are being delivered remotely and staff are working from home wherever possible.
We have brought together vital resources to help each member of our community navigate their day. Find information and guides to working remotely and studying online, as well as staying connected and healthy, including free fitness classes and museum, collection and performance content streamed online.
Returning to campus
Attending campus
From 11:59pm on Sunday 13 September, First step to reopening restrictions apply in metropolitan Melbourne. From 11.59pm on Wednesday 16 September Third step to reopening restrictions apply throughout regional Victoria.
In line with Victorian Government restrictions, only those holding a permitted worker permit or students approved for permitted in person activities are able to be on campus during this period.
Before coming to campus or other University workplace for the first time:
- You must have formal approval.
- You must complete the compulsory COVIDSafe Campus online module (available in TrainME).
Every time you come to campus or other University workplace:
You must complete a health declaration. Select from below:
- students (login required)
- staff, contractors with University IT access, honoraries (login required)
- other campus users (no login required)
Some local areas already have processes in place to record daily health declarations. Where this is the case, these should continue until further notice.
Follow health and safety directions: stay home if you are unwell, adhere to physical distancing, maintain hand hygiene, cover your cough and sneeze, wear a face covering.
For those who are on campus, we have enhanced infection control and cleaning measures in place to ensure we are creating the safest environment and continuing to prioritise health and safety.
Our Roadmap to a COVIDSafe return to campus
The University is committed to a safe, phased return to campus with a focus on priority areas in line with government and health advice.
Our number one priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and community.
Our Roadmap to a COVIDSafe return to campus has been updated and aligns to the different steps outlined in the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 Roadmap to Reopening.
Translated resources
Information about helping to keep our campus COVIDSafe in a number of University community languages.
Find out about translated resources
Government resources
Information from the Victorian Government and Australian Government is being updated regularly.