Email update from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students): 17 November

Dear staff and students,

Flinders University has been advised by an independent English Language provider (the Intensive English Language Institute - IELI) that one of their students who attended the IELI facility in recent days tested positive to COVID-19 today (17 November). The IELI facility is located on the Sturt Campus of Flinders University.

We are working closely with SA Health and IELI as further information emerges. At this stage no Flinders staff or student has been identified as a close contact and there are no confirmed cases amongst Flinders University staff or students.

Notice of closure – Sturt Campus

Out of an abundance of caution, effective immediately, all buildings on the Sturt Campus are closed while deep cleaning of the IELI rooms and shared/ common spaces of Sturt Campus is conducted. This closure includes IELI itself as well as Health2Go, FISC, Sturt Library and the Sturt Café. We are working with SA Health and IELI to ensure that all locations identified are deep cleaned.

We are closing Sturt Campus and asking staff and students to work and study from home until Monday 8am, unless otherwise notified.

There is no indication that the individual visited any other are of the campus outside of the Sturt Campus.

Studying and working from home

As per the email advice on Monday 16 November we are asking Flinders students to only attend one of our South Australian campuses if they have a scheduled class activity or exams. Flinders staff in South Australia who are able to undertake their work from home should do so.

Symptoms and testing

This is a timely reminder that anyone developing COVID-19 like symptoms – even if you have not been in one of the locations linked to the outbreak- should immediately get tested and self-isolate until you know the result of the test. If you have any of the following symptoms, get tested:

• fever or chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny nose
• shortness of breath
• loss of taste and smell.

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing means increasing the space between you and others. It makes it harder for a virus to spread. The Department of Health has provided guidance on what Physical Distancing means in the home, at work and in public areas.

Ongoing updates, information and support

A further update will be provided tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday) or as further advice is received from SA Health. Flinders University continues to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and we continue to align our actions with advice from the health authorities and the Australian Government.

If you have any questions or concerns please email them to coronavirus@flinders.edu.au.

Please check our staff and student websites for regular updates.

I realise that this current outbreak in South Australia may be a cause for concern or worry for members of our community. Please remember that our student and staff support networks are available to you throughout this period.

Take care and look after each other, and I will be in contact again soon.

Clare