Coronavirus (COVID-19): student advice and support
IHM strongly supports the student community during the current outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19 and associated travel restrictions. Topmost on our list of priorities is, as always, the health and wellbeing of our students and staff. We have been working hard to support our students and staff at home and overseas, and are closely monitoring the situation.
If you are affected, please monitor your student email for regular updates from the University. If you have been unable to come to campus due to travel restrictions or isolation requirements, or if you have further questions, contact your campus support team (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm AEDST)
As of now, classes will commence as usual, and scheduled activities including exams will be held as planned. In the event of any change, you will be notified.
Our actions are based on expert advice, and if any decisions that will impact your studies are made, you will be informed.
Please note that travel to mainland China, Italy, Iran and South Korea is not advised at this time.
The following hygiene safety measures are strongly advised:
- Hand Hygiene- Wash your hands frequently. WHO recommends that you should wash your hands with running water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds, and use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Practice respiratory hygiene- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze (with a flexed elbow or tissue, not your hand). Throw the tissue into a waste bin which has a lid.
- If you experience symptoms such as Fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, visit a doctor immediately. DO NOT attend the class.
- Do not visit others who are sick.
- If you have not washed your hands, do not touch your mouth, eyes or nose.
- Maintain social distancing- Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid going to events where large crowd is expected.
The following special restrictions apply to travellers:
On 29 February 2020, the Australian Government, informed by advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and the Australian Border Force, extended existing travel restrictions to include Iran. All travel restrictions will be reviewed again before 6 March 2020. Read the statement from the AHPPC.
The Australian Government considers the following countries to be at higher risk for COVID-19:
- Mainland China
- Iran
- Italy
- South Korea
If you are returning from these countries, you need to monitor your health for the next 14 days.
If you are returning from mainland China or Iran you should isolate yourself for 14 days after leaving mainland China or Iran.
If you are returning from Italy or South Korea, and you work as a healthcare worker or as a residential aged care worker, you should not attend your regular work for 14 days.
This advice should be read in conjunction with the ‘What you need to know’ and ‘Isolation guidance’ information sheets.
For updates on the evolving situation, visit www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert