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Fri, Jan 31 2020

Novel coronavirus - fact sheet

What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus?

  • Symptoms can include (but are not limited to) fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath.

Health advice

  • All students and staff returning from China should remain at their home for 14 days and follow the health advice of the Department of Health.
  • The Australian Government has now said returning travellers who have been in Hubei Province of China must be isolated in their home for 14 days after leaving the Hubei Province, other than for seeking individual medical care.
  • Students complying with these guidelines will not be penalised for not attending classes.

International travel

  • In line with the Australian Government travel recommendations, MIT is urging students and staff to reconsider any travel to all of China.
  • For travel to other international locations, refer to smartraveller.
  • We understand that students may be travelling to and from Australia transiting in Hong Kong. We recommend you remain within the airport terminal for the duration of your transit.

If you’re feeling unwell – Off Campus

  • If you are experiencing symptoms, please stay home and call the Department of Health and Human Services dedicated novel coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398, and wear a surgical mask to avoid potential spread of any illness.
  • MIT provides free confidential counselling support for any MIT student. If you need support at any time, please call 8600 6700.

If you’re feeling unwell – On Campus

  • For anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath after arriving on campus:
    • Avoid contact with others.
    • Go immediately to the closest on-site location:
      Melbourne Sydney
      Level 2M Reception First Aid Room
      Level 6 – Academic Reception Level 7- Main Reception
  • Please be aware to keep appropriate distance from people around you and alert the staff member at reception.
  • A staff member will provide you with a mask, direct you to an allocated room and contact health services.
  • We will provide you with contact details of the nearest medical facility.

Instructions for staff (not at reception and not first aiders):

If a student or staff member presents with flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath and says they are feeling unwell;

Attendance

  • Staff are expected to undertake regular activities unless you have symptoms and:
    • had close contact with someone within the past 14 days who had signs of the virus and a history of being in Wuhan, China; or,
    • had close contact with someone who has a confirmed or suspected case of novel coronavirus
  • If staff members feel stressed or anxious about the situation, please discuss your personal health circumstances with a medical professional, and if required discuss with your supervisor.
  • The Employee Assistance Program is available for part and full-time MIT staff member. If you need support from four counsellors please call 8600 6700.
  • Students and staff attending classes are asked to self-exclude from classes if they feel unwell or are experiencing symptoms.

Staff leave provisions

  • We are aware that some staff may need to take care of children who are unable to attend school due to advice from the Department of Health. You may be eligible for carer’s leave.

Students currently in China

  • Due to the novel coronavirus, the Australian government now advises travellers to reconsider their need to travel in China and states not to travel to Hubei province.
  • In addition, travel restrictions have been imposed by the Chinese government across China and these may be extended at short notice without warning. Wearing a face mask is mandated in some areas of China and in many areas authorities are testing body temperature before allowing access to public places.
  • Travellers may be quarantined, due to their health condition or previous location.
  • While travelling anywhere overseas and upon returning home, it is important to practise hygiene and self-protection measures for acute respiratory infections by:
    • regularly washing hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand rub and avoid touching your face and mouth after touching surfaces;
    • covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow; and
    • avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as coughing and sneezing.
  • If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and need Australian consular assistance you can find more information on the Smartraveller website. For Australian consular services in China, you can contact the Australian Embassy in Beijing or the Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chengdu.

More information