As Flinders University continues to assess and react in accordance with Australia’s response to the COVID-19 situation, it’s worth taking pause to assess the effective measures now in place to best protect all our people.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the smooth and successful online delivery of all lectures since 17 March, which has enabled the university’s teaching program to proceed.

Staff are reminded to send their questions for tomorrow’s virtual town hall to vc@flinders.edu.au by 3.30 today, so that responses can be organised prior to tomorrow’s 11am livestream which can be accessed here, or via the staff COVID-19 page.

It is imperative that all researchers and research support staff visit our staff-only research page to familiarise themselves with the new information and actions that are required to meet our research obligations.

This is vital to maintaining our research integrity – your research may not be able to proceed unless you apply new protocols, so you are strongly urged to visit this page as a priority.

Staff who are working on campus have been aware and respectful of social distancing protocols, and have been diligent in following follow Department of Health advice to minimise the risk of becoming infected by:

• Washing their hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitiser
• Use a tissue or the crook of your arm if you sneeze or cough
• Do not attend work or study if you are unwell

The current recommendation from the Department of Health is that testing is for people who have developed cold or ‘flu-like symptoms’ and have travelled overseas to ANY country in the past 14 days or been in close contact with someone who is confirmed to have COVID-19.

If you are unsure, call the Coronavirus Information Line on 1800 020 080.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, major University-specific announcements are being communicated through student and staff emails, and University information pages are being frequently updated – including with links to videos of the recent information sessions.

The university is making efforts to plan for every contingency, and there are work-from-home possibilities and social coping strategies being advised.

Be sure to visit the Flinders website for timely updates to recommended procedure, as they evolve.

If you have further queries, speak to your direct supervisor for guidance and direction.

Remember that our students need care and support through this situation – so be sure to visit the student portal within the Flinders website to keep abreast of relevant communications and updates.

We are working through difficult times, but the remarkable levels of spirit and commitment among our staff will enable us to continue to deliver the outstanding educational experience for students for which we are renowned.