Take care on campus

COVIDSafe campuses

To ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our community we have COVIDSafe plans in place across the University to guide our activities 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, COVID‑19 case management, and ongoing monitoring to respond to the changing situation.

• Face masks

  The University continues to follow Victorian public health advice for face masks to help reduce the transmission of airborne viruses. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.

  Face masks are required:

  • if you have COVID-19 and must attend campus – everywhere on campus (see detailed requirements)
  • if you are a close contact – in sensitive settings (see detailed requirements)
  • in any setting at the University where a local risk assessment has determined this is necessary
  • where required by third parties

  Face masks are recommended:

  • if you are a close contact – indoors on campus (see detailed requirements)
  • if you have any COVID-19 symptoms (please stay away from campus if you have symptoms)
  • indoors and whenever you are unable to safely distance when you or someone you are with may be at a higher risk of falling very sick with COVID-19
  • when visiting or working in sensitive settings such as hospitals and aged care and disability services – follow local guidance

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

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

  Face masks available on campus

  The University continues to provide access to face masks on campus:

  • surgical masks are available in key locations, like libraries, for staff, students and visitors who have forgotten or don’t have access to a mask and want to wear one
  • P2 or equivalent masks:
    • students and staff can purchase discounted masks via vending machines on Southbank and Parkville campuses, and can access them in person at these locations on our other campuses
    • limited access to free P2 masks for students meeting criteria for additional support – more information
  • staff and students attending an area of campus or undertaking an activity where it is required by local risk assessment or Standard Operating Procedure will be provided with an appropriate mask
• 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
• Physical distancing
  • People are encouraged wherever possible to maintain a physical distance of 1.5m between themselves and others
  • Some indoor spaces have been reconfigured and plexiglass barriers installed in some service areas to facilitate physical distancing
  • Signage provides reminders for people to maintain physical distance of 1.5m where possible
• Ventilation

  The University has implemented a range of measures to support improved air quality, 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 – sensors have been installed in all teaching spaces and each occupied level of every building
  • A central team monitors these sensors and responds where additional action is required

  Find out more about ventilation.

• Screening and testing

  People with undiagnosed COVID-19 symptoms should not attend campus. Please follow our testing and notification guidance to look after yourselves and others.

  To help detect and reduce transmission of COVID-19 in our community, the University is supporting students and staff with access to discounted rapid antigen tests (RATs) on campus for:

  • Regular testing following exposure to someone who has COVID-19
  • Clearance testing for people returning to campus as they recover from COVID-19
  • Voluntary routine testing by asymptomatic people for additional confidence and assurance

  During Semester 1, 2023, the University will also provide limited access to free RATs and P2 masks for students meeting these criteria.

  Students and staff may need to undertake asymptomatic testing to participate in activities in higher-risk settings as identified through local risk assessment – local areas will provide RATs if this is required.

  Find out where to access RATs on campus.

  Please do not come to campus to collect a RAT if you have symptoms. You may be able to collect free RATs from some community collection points. You can also buy RATs from supermarkets, pharmacies, and some other retail outlets or online.

• Processes and administrative measures
  • A dedicated Public Health Network supports COVID-19 case management and response, to minimise risk of on-campus transmission
  • Ensure appropriate record-keeping 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
  • Strongly encourage 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 and to the Victorian Department of Health as required
  • Follow the Victorian Government's guidance for COVIDSafe workplaces

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