Attending campus

COVIDSafe campuses

To ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our community we have COVIDSafe plans in place across the University, including individual campuses, faculties, schools, buildings and operations.

There are many factors helping to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus. They include vaccination, testing and isolation, cleaning, ventilation, personal behaviour, face masks, welfare-first COVID‑19 case management, and flexible study and work arrangements.

• Face masks

  The University continues to follow Victorian public health orders for face masks. You must carry a face mask at all times and wear one as required under current COVIDSafe Settings.

  The Victorian Department of Health strongly recommends wearing a mask indoors and whenever you cannot physically distance. The University encourages everyone to follow this advice to help reduce the transmission of airborne viruses.

  In addition, the University’s expectation is that, through to the end of winter, students and staff will wear masks when in classroom settings, except where removing a mask is necessary for clear communication or when a particular activity requires the removal of a mask (all existing exemptions continue to apply).

  Face masks continue to be required:

  • on public transport, in taxis/rideshare services, in tourism vehicles, on commercial flights and at airports
  • after being tested for COVID-19 and awaiting results, except asymptomatic surveillance testing
  • if you have COVID-19 or are a probable case and are leaving home in line with quarantine, isolation or testing requirements
  • if you are a close contact – anywhere outside your home, including on campus
  • in higher-risk settings at the University where a local risk assessment has determined this is necessary
  • where required by third parties
  • and in these other settings specified by the Victorian Government

  There are a number of lawful reasons for not wearing a mask where it would otherwise be required. The Victorian Government provides a list of exceptions.

  Face masks are strongly recommended:

  • for frontline staff (including libraries, service centres and teaching staff)
  • indoors
  • anywhere you can’t physically distance, this includes outdoor settings
  • if you have any COVID-19 symptoms
  • when you are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19
  • for any customer-facing worker not otherwise required to wear a face mask

  The University continues to provide access to:

  • surgical masks for staff, students and visitors attending campus who have forgotten or don’t have access to a mask – available on request via teaching spaces and building reception areas
  • P2 or equivalent masks for:
    • staff and students attending an area of campus or undertaking an activity where it is required by local risk assessment or Standard Operating Procedure
    • staff working on campus who seek the option of a higher-grade mask – show your staff ID at these distribution points
    • any student who wishes to use one, after registering first with the University – please follow the instructions within your confirmation email to collect masks
  • additional P2 or equivalent masks for students or staff who are household close contacts and need to attend campus (you must follow these additional requirements)

  Students with hearing difficulties are encouraged to contact their lecturer/tutor or Student Equity and Disability Support with any concerns about mask requirements and communication.

  Further guidance is available about types of masks and how to use them effectively.

• Cleaning and sanitising

  The University has implemented enhanced infection control and cleaning measures across all facilities, including:

  • More frequent cleaning and disinfection by professional cleaning staff
  • Self-service infection control measures, such as 2500+ touch-free hand sanitiser dispensers and 3000+ alcohol wipe dispensers
  • Additional deep cleaning, disinfection and site closures as needed in response to a confirmed case of COVID-19
• Physical distancing
  • People are encouraged wherever possible to maintain a physical distance of 1.5m between themselves and others
  • Indoor spaces have been reconfigured and plexiglass barriers installed in some service areas to facilitate physical distancing
  • Signage and floor decals provide reminders for people to maintain physical distance of 1.5m where possible
  • Wearing a face mask is strongly recommended whenever you cannot maintain a physical distance of 1.5m between yourself and others
• Ventilation

  The University has reviewed buildings for adequacy of ventilation capacity and introduced a variety of measures to reduce the risk of indoor transmission of COVID-19, including:

  • Increasing ventilation by mechanical or natural means where necessary
  • Where the system is unable to ensure to adequate air intake and exchange, other mitigations, such as portable air purifiers have been deployed
  • Real-time monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels as a proxy to evaluate airborne virus risk and adequate fresh air supply – monitors have been installed in teaching spaces and some other spaces to actively monitor air quality
  • Encouraging greater use of outdoor spaces

  Find out more about ventilation.

• Screening and testing

  Students, staff, contractors and visitors with undiagnosed COVID-19 symptoms must not attend campus.

  The University continues to support students and staff to access COVID-19 tests including providing access to rapid antigen tests (RATs):

  • following campus exposures
  • for people who need to return to campus following household exposure (you must follow these additional requirements)
  • for asymptomatic screening in higher-risk settings
  • for students and staff attending campus, to support asymptomatic screening for additional comfort and confidence

  Find out where to collect a RAT on campus.

• Processes and administrative measures
  • A dedicated Public Health Network supports timely COVID-19 case management and response, to minimise risk of on-campus transmission and support those who are require to isolate or quarantine
  • Ensure appropriate record keeping, health declaration and training processes are in place
  • Strongly encourage all members of our University community to stay up to date with their vaccinations, and continue to provide advice, information and resources to support our community to stay informed on this
  • Advise people not to attend University locations if they are unwell, even with mild symptoms, and provide advice about getting tested for COVID-19 and what to do from there
  • Report COVID-19 cases on campus on our website, to the Victorian Department of Health as required, and follow a mutual notification process for groups visiting the University
  • Follow the Victorian Government's principles of COVIDSafe workplaces

Staff can access the University and local COVIDSafe Plans here for more detail. (staff login required)