January 28, 2020

COVID-19 response update: 28 Jan 2020

Protecting student, staff and community safety

As an international institution with a network of campuses spanning Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Dubai and partner institutions around the world, the University of Wollongong (UOW) is closely monitoring the situation regarding the Coronavirus outbreak.

“Our first priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and the communities in which we operate.

“The University has robust public health procedures in place that have been refined by experience with previous influenza outbreaks and all necessary steps are being taken to protect our students, staff and communities at this time.

“All of UOW’s Australian campuses are operating normally and preparing for the start of the 2020 academic year. There are currently no confirmed or suspected cases of Coronavirus at any UOW campus.

“We are implementing all Commonwealth and NSW health department guidance to minimise risk across all campuses and facilities as well as taking advice from overseas health authorities where we have large numbers of students.

“We have well-established working relationships with local health services and are ready to respond to any concerns that might arise,” UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings CBE said.

As a precaution, the University has implemented a moratorium on all official university travel to China and Hong Kong by staff and students until further notice. Any staff or students considering independent travel are urged to visit the Smart Traveller website before making bookings.

UOW is contacting new and returning international students, including those who may have been impacted by travel restrictions, to provide the latest information and advice from health authorities and offer assistance and support.

Alternative arrangements are being made for Chinese students who are unable to commence their studies because of this outbreak and associated travel restrictions, including deferred or late enrolment or options to progress their studies via online course delivery where practical.

Further information

A page of Frequently Asked Questions has been published on the University’s website. Students can also access a range of campus assistance and support services, contact UOW Future Students or call +61 2 4221 5700.

Students travelling to Australia from China or who have recently arrived are being referred to the Australian Government Department of Health website for the latest information and advice.

Any students experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness should contact your General Practitioner or visit your nearest hospital Casualty and Emergency Department. In the case of a medical emergency, call 000.

UOW staff will continue monitoring the situation and publish further information when appropriate.