Coronavirus Updates

Australian Health Protection Principal Committee recommends to the Australian Government that, effective 1 March 2020:

• The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade increase travel advisory to level 4 – do not travel to Iran
• All travellers arriving from Iran be asked to self-isolate at home for 14 days
• Whilst preventing entry to Australia for travellers from Iran (who are not citizens or permanent residents) could be considered by government and would assist in compliance with self-isolation, AHPPC was concerned that further travel restrictions may set an unrealistic expectation that such measures are of ongoing value for further countries.

On Thursday 27 February, the Prime Minister announced the Federal Government will maintain the travel ban and entry restrictions from mainland China, aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19, for a further week to Saturday 7 March. The ban prevents anyone other than Australian citizens or permanent residents and their immediate families from travelling to Australia from mainland China.

The ban is being reviewed on a weekly basis.

Health authorities have identified cases of novel coronavirus in Australia in January 2020. Currently in Australia, people most at risk of contracting the virus are people who have been in mainland China recently or been in close contact with someone who is has a confirmed case of coronavirus.

The Australian Prime Minister has applied the following travel restrictions to people entering Australia having left mainland China after 1 February 2020:

• foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents of Australia) who are in mainland China, will not be allowed to enter Australia
• Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family will still be able to enter Australia, as well as airline crews who have been using appropriate personal protective equipment
• All Australian citizens and permanent residents who do return from China must isolate themselves for a fortnight.

Additionally, the following isolation requirements apply:

• if you have travelled to Hubei Province within the past 14 days, you must isolate yourself until 14 days have elapsed after leaving Hubei Province
• if you have left, or transited through, mainland China on or after 1 February 2020 you must isolate yourself until 14 days after leaving China
• if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, you must isolate yourself for 14 days after last contact with the confirmed case

Currently, there are no suspected or confirmed cases amongst Torrens University, THINK Education or Media Design School staff or students.

Any students who have travelled through China in the last 14 days or are experiencing symptoms (including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath) should inform their Campus Director.

If students cannot attend class or cannot complete their assignments, we have asked our Program Directors to ensure flexibility, so we do not discriminate or disadvantage any students who voluntarily isolate themselves for 14 days.

The institution will make special arrangements to accommodate students’ learning needs, so please do not hesitate to contact lecturers for assistance.

For further enquiries, you can contact Student Services at any time by calling 1300 575 803 or emailing studentservices@torrens.edu.au.

For more information, visit Australian Government Department of Health or contact the Public Health Information Line on 1800 004 599.

We will continue to update you as new information becomes available.