Attending campus

COVIDSafe plans

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.

  You are no longer required to wear a face mask in most indoor settings, but wearing a mask remains recommended.

  Face masks are still required:

  • in higher-risk settings at the University where a local risk assessment has determined this is necessary
  • where required by third parties
  • 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
  • on public transport, in taxis/rideshare services, in tourism vehicles, on commercial flights and at airports
  • 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)
  • where 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 will continue to support people who choose to wear a mask in any other setting and continue to provide access to:

  • surgical masks on request for staff, students and visitors attending campus who have forgotten or don’t have access to a mask
  • 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
    • any student who wishes to use one, after registering first with the University – please show your email confirmation 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)

  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
  • 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
• 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:

  • supporting Department of Health testing facilities at the Parkville Campus
  • providing access to rapid antigen tests (RATs) following campus exposures
  • providing access to RATs for those who need to return to campus following household exposure (you must follow these additional requirements)
  • providing access to RATs for asymptomatic screening in higher-risk settings
  • committing to provide access to RATs for students and staff attending campus during semester 1, 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
  • Vaccination requirements introduced for anyone attending our campuses or undertaking University activities in third-party or public settings
  • 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)