The on-going self-quarantine and social distancing acts have been nothing but an unwanted and unexpected obstacle for the universities’ community. We are here to support by encouraging everyone to stay connected to the Australian Universities in the midst of the pandemic; COVID-19 by keeping in check of the COVID-19 responses and measures taken from the universities.
Click on the universities to stay updated on the COVID-19 response information;
Australian Universities
New South Wales
- Australian Catholic University
- Charles Sturt University
- Kaplan Business School
- Macquarie University
- Southern Cross University
- The University of Newcastle
- The University of Sydney
- University of New England Australia
- University of New South Wales
- University of Technology Sydney
- University of Western Australia
- University of Wollongong
- Western Sydney University
As much as we are hoping that the pandemic will end soon, we as a community need to be dedicated in contributing to our respective country by implementing self-quarantine and social distancing as well as taking care of our hygiene and our bodies properly. Instead of reacting negatively to the situation, it’s time to adapt and make use of the time that we probably will not get again. Keep in check with your health and stay updated with the current statistics of the pandemic.
Health
The Coronavirus spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. Hence it is compulsory for people who have the flu and dry throat to keep the face mask on. Washing hands frequently is also one of the ways to avoid from the virus to stay on the surface of your hands.
- Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has the symptoms.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible if you have the symptoms.
- Don’t hold or attend large meetings.
- Be extra cautious of public properties.
- Avoid rush hour and crowded places.
- Cancel or delay activities that involve close interaction.
- Don’t get too close to others.
- Stay at home as much as possible.
Usually it will take around 1 to 14 days before developing symptoms. The most common symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. 80% of people recover from the disease without needing special treatment. In rare cases, the disease can be serious and even fatal particularly for older people, and people with other medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.
The symptoms include;
- cough
- fever
- tiredness
- difficulty breathing (severe cases)
If you noticed that you have been experiencing mild symptoms, stay at home until you’ve fully recovered. The symptoms can be relieved by frequently:
- rest and sleep
- keep warm
- drink plenty of liquids
- use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
However if you develop a fever, cough, and find it difficult to breath, immediately seek medical care. Call in advance and tell your health provider of any recent travel or recent contact with travelers.
Source: who.int
Education
For questions about your start dates, attendance, fee matters and other issues relating to your study, you should contact your education provider. If classes at your education provider have commenced and you are in a period of self-quarantine, you should inform your lecturer or student services contact officer of your circumstances to determine whether alternate arrangements for remote learning can be temporarily put in place.
For questions about your start dates, attendance, fee matters, CoE and other issues relating to your study, you should contact your education provider. If you are not able to return to Australia in time for the start of your classes, you should inform your lecturer or student services contact officer of your circumstances to determine whether alternate arrangements, such as for remote learning, can be temporarily put in place.
Year 11 and 12 international students who are found suitable to enter Australia under the recent changes must meet the quarantine requirements set out by the state and territory health authorities, including self-quarantine for 14 days at their destination. Students should regularly contact their education provider to ensure they are up to date with class content.
If you have taken out travel or other insurance, you should discuss this with your insurance provider. If you are not able to return to Australia in time for the start of your classes, you should inform your lecturer or student services contact officer of your circumstances and discuss with them how your course fees will be affected.
Financial
Students are encouraged to rely on family support, part-time jobs available and their own savings to sustain themselves in Australia. As part of their visa application, international students have had to demonstrate that they can support themselves completely in their first year. Students who have been here longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship will be able to access their Australian superannuation.
Work
If you have a part time job that you cannot attend while in self-quarantine or unable to travel, you should contact your employer, advise them of your circumstances and your compliance with advice from the Department of Health.
International students are able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight. International students working in aged care and as nurses have had these hours extended to support these critical sectors. Additionally, international students working in the major supermarkets had also had these hours extended to help get stock on shelves during the high demand. From 1 May, their hours will return to the maximum 40 hours a fortnight as more Australians are being recruited into these roles.
Travel
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has updated its travel advice to all international destinations as “level 4 – do not travel overseas at this time.” In line with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic, DFAT now advises all Australians: do not travel at this time. Regardless of your destination, age or health, do not travel at this time.
Source: www.australia.gov.au
Check out the latest government announcements online at the Australian Government hub for Coronavirus, keep in check with the most up-to-date news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia.
Conveniently, The Australian Government has launched a “Coronavirus Australia” app that is available via the Apple App Store, Google Play, or via a WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android. You can download the app to receive the latest official advice and real-time updates on your fingertips.
Read more articles related to COVID-19:
Tips to study Online Effectively
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Nurul Nadira
I am an English undergraduate student who reads and listens to bands.