Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Griffith University is taking the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) seriously and is concerned for all members of our University community.

The University has convened a specialist team to manage our response to the virus. The group is monitoring the situation closely, following the advice of Queensland Health and the Federal Department of Health and planning for a range of scenarios should the virus impact directly on any of our campuses.

This website is being reviewed daily and will include the latest information for students and staff on any impact on University operations.

Latest news

To slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives, widespread restrictions now exist on social gatherings, the operations of businesses and travel both domestically and internationally.

All students and staff are strongly recommended to follow the advice of the Australian Government and to stay home unless: shopping for essentials, receiving medical care, exercising or travelling to work or education.

Our campuses remain open however Griffith is now moving all but our essential services online in order to protect the health of both staff and students.

No further classes will be held on campus from Wednesday morning onwards. Students involved in on-campus research projects should liaise with their academic supervisors.

Student-facing services (except computer labs and Health and Medical Services) will move to online support from Tuesday 31 March. Students can still come onto campus to use these services but are advised to practise social distancing.

Campus facilities, including libraries, gyms, other indoor sporting facilities and the Multi Faith Centre on Nathan campus, have closed.

For the time being, child-care services remain open on our campuses.

The recommendation to avoid non-essential travel remains in place and some states, including Queensland have restricted their borders. In Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia a 14-day self-isolation requirement is now in force.

In Queensland, border travel exemptions include University staff travelling to and from work across the border and students who live outside Queensland but near the border who ordinarily work or study in Queensland. It is recommended that you carry your student ID on you.

Australian borders are now closed to non-citizens and non-residents but Australian citizens and permanent residents and those exempt from the new entry restrictions are subject to a mandatory 14-day isolation period, regardless of where they are travelling from.

The government has implemented a ‘do not travel’ ban on Australians travelling overseas from midnight Wednesday 25 March, under the Biosecurity Act 2015.

Your health and wellbeing

Our primary priority is the health and wellbeing of our University community. We understand this has been a difficult time for students and staff affected.

Griffith is in contact with and continues to support affected students who remain outside Australia with online study options and other forms of assistance.

We continue to work with the Government, higher education sector, government agencies and partners to provide a considered, caring and cautious response to this evolving situation.

Everyone should practice good hand and respiratory hygiene measures to protect against infections.

Griffith recommends students and staff wash their hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based rubs, try and stay at least 1.5 metres away from people coughing and sneezing, and please isolate yourself and call 13HEALTH if feeling unwell.

Public resources and further information

Health

• Queensland: Queensland Health
• Australia: Department of Health
• Australia: Chief Medical Officer
• International: World Health Organisation

Education

• Study in Australia
• Department of Education

Travel and visa

• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Smart Traveller