Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): Latest Updates
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): Latest Updates
RGIT Australia would like to ensure that all its stakeholders are provided with the most up to date information on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). RGIT Australia continues to follow the expert advice of the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which is consistent with the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer and Department of Health, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT). This information includes updates on the coronavirus, recently implemented travel restrictions by the Department of Home Affairs, as well information for those impacted, including students.
Coronavirus Live Updates
The ‘Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) information sheet (新型冠状病毒)’, issued by the Australian Government’s Department of Health in both English and simplified Chinese, tells you what you need to know about novel coronavirus. It includes:
- the most up to date information on what it is;
- how it spreads;
- who is most at risk; and
- what you can do to help stop it spreading.
You can view and download the information sheet at www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-information-sheet-xin-xing-guan-zhuang-bing-du, and keep up to date with live updates on the Department of Health’s website at www.health.gov.au.
Know the Symptoms
The Australian Government Department of Health has advised that individuals who are experiencing symptoms and/or have been in contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) should arrange to visit their usual doctor for urgent assessment. They should telephone the health clinic or hospital ahead of arrival. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. Affected people may experience:
- fever;
- flu like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue;
- and/or shortness of breath.
For more information, visit the Department of Health’s website at https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov.
If you are Affected
Travel Restrictions and Visas
The Australian Government has announced that as of 1 February 2020, all travellers arriving from any part of mainland China, regardless of nationality, will be subject to enhanced border control measures to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the Australian community. According to the latest DFAT travel advice, based on updated advice from the Commonwealth’s Chief Medical Officer and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC):
- Foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents) who are in mainland China from 1 February, will not be allowed to enter Australia for 14 days from the time they have left or transited through mainland China.
- Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependants only).
- Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families who do enter Australia and who have been in mainland China will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from the time they left mainland China.
The Australian Government has advised that if you have left, or transited through, mainland China on or after 1 February 2020 you must isolate yourself until 14 days after leaving China.
If you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, you must isolate yourself for 14 days after last contact with the confirmed case.https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=355
For further information on travel restrictions and visas, visit the Department of Home Affairs’ website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=355.
Students Affected
RGIT Australia can approve students’ leave during these exceptional circumstances with a medical certificate. If students are impacted by any of these circumstances or measures, they must contact RGIT Australia’s Administration and Student Services Department or their case manager immediately so that we can assist them. For information on medical services and healthcare, visit RGIT Australia website at www.rgit.edu.au/student-welfare.
Student Welfare
The safety, security, physical and mental well-being of students is of paramount importance at RGIT Australia. While Australia is one of the safest and most culturally diverse countries in the world, students may face discrimination fueled by the outbreak as panic spreads.
RGIT Australia has a dedicated Student Welfare Committee and team of student support and welfare staff in the Student Services Department provide assistance and support services to international and domestic students on a range of matters, including bulling and/or harassment.
How to Make an Appointment
To speak with our onsite student support and welfare officers in Melbourne, make a booking through Reception on Level 2, 28-32 Elizabeth Street, VIC 3000 or call (+61) 3 8639 9000 or email studentsupport@rgit.edu.au.
If you are in Hobart, make a booking through Reception on Level 3, 162 Macquarie Street, TAS 7000 or call (+61) 3 6217 9000 or email hobartsupport@rgit.edu.au.
If you require psychological services, our counsellors will refer you to an appropriate service.
Weekends and After Hours Contact Information
For after hours contact, students may contact:
Melbourne Campus
Ph: (+61) 414 346 945 or (+61) 422 315 959 or (+61) 411 343 969
Email: studentsupport@rgit.edu.au
Hobart Campus
Ph: (+61) 404 944 167 or (+61) 420 794 982
Email: hobartsupport@rgit.edu.au
For more information on RGIT Australia’s Student Welfare Committee, please visit our website at www.rgit.edu.au/student-welfare.
For information on medical services and healthcare, visit RGIT Australia website at www.rgit.edu.au/student-welfare.
Contact Us
Students
If you have any queries or concerns, contact RGIT Australia’s Student Services Department on (+61 3) 8639 9000 (Melbourne), (+61 3) 6217 9000 (Hobart) or email studentservices@rgit.edu.au.
Agents
If you require any further information, please contact your authorised RGIT Australia representative or email marketing@rgit.edu.au.
For all other enquiries, please email info@rgit.edu.au.