March 23, 2020

COVID-19 response update: 23 Mar 2020

Changes to campus indoor sports, bar and dining

The University of Wollongong is continuing to comply with all government guidance and direction in its response to COVID-19, today closing indoor sports facilities, changing the operation of campus cafes and food courts and altering library operations.

UniActive indoor sports facilities closed.

UOW Pulse, the autonomous commercial arm of the University responsible for operating businesses and leasing facilities to support campus life, has today closed the UniActive indoor gymnasium and sports facilities at the Wollongong and Innovation campuses. Members have been advised that memberships have been suspended until further notice.

The Sports Hub high performance multipurpose training facility used by the St George Illawarra Dragons, Illawarra Academy of Sport, NSW Institute of Sport and other high performance sporting teams is also closed until further notice in line with NSW and federal government direction.

Outdoor pool open. Strict social distancing rules apply.

As outdoor sports facilities were not included in the government directive, the UniActive pool at the Wollongong Campus remains open at this stage. Strict social distancing rules are applying to both the pool and the change rooms. The UniActive swim school has been closed for Term 1 and no enrolments are being taken for Term 2.

Bar closed. Cafes takeaway only.

Also in accordance with government direction, the UniBar closed at midday today and will remain closed until further notice. All currently scheduled UniBar events have been cancelled.

Those cafes continuing to operate on the Wollongong and Innovation campuses will transition to takeaway only. Indoor dining facilities in cafes, food courts and in common indoor areas will be closed for dining to ensure appropriate social distance can be maintained.

UOW Pulse is mindful of the impact the closures of these businesses will have on affected staff. UOW Pulse is providing access to a range of leave entitlements, counselling via UOW’s Employee Assistance Program and other assistance wherever possible.

Library open with social distancing.

The UOW Library remains open to support staff and students as preparations for online course delivery continue. Social distancing protocols have been implemented to adhere to government guidelines.

Current status

These changes come as the University enters its Autumn mid-session recess, which was brought forward in response to COVID-19 to enable preparation for remote course delivery from Monday 6 April. These measures have significantly reduced the number of people attending campus.

As of today (Monday, 23 March), there is no confirmed case if COVID-19 at any Australian UOW campus.

More information

For more information is available on UOW’s COVID-19 response website.