Published: 31st January 2021
Please read this email in full. It contains important information relating to Murdoch University’s COVID-19 response and your studies.
By now, you would likely be aware the Western Australian State Government has declared a lockdown for the areas of Perth, Peel and the South West commencing at 6pm this evening, Sunday 31 January.
The lockdown is currently expected to be in place until at least 6pm on Friday 5 February 2021.
In accordance with WA Health Department advice, Murdoch University’s South Street, Rockingham and Mandurah campuses will be closed during this period.
We encourage all students not to attend campus during this period. Please see more detailed advice below on learning activities and student services.
The Government has advised masks must be worn outside, inside at work, and on public transport.
Classes and assessments
On-campus teaching will be suspended at South Street, Rockingham and Mandurah campuses for the duration of the lockdown, including any scheduled in-person assessments and labs.
If you have scheduled on-campus classes or assessments this week, you will receive further advice regarding alternative arrangements during the week from your Unit Coordinator. Where possible, online teaching will take place so that you can continue with learning.
Students with scheduled SimLab On-Entry Screening sessions, please note that we will be postponing all SimLab On-Entry Screening sessions scheduled for Monday, February 1 through to Friday, February 5 (inclusive).
If you are currently undertaking a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement or were scheduled to start this week, you will be contacted by the WIL team with specific advice.
Research
If you are undertaking research and it is safe and practical, you may continue to do so from home. Any concerns you have regarding your research and the impact of the five day University closure should first be directed to your supervisory team. Where you are responsible for essential activities related to your research (e.g. ensuring livestock are fed) that can not be undertaken from home please discuss this immediately with your Principal Supervisor who will contact the necessary University's Critical Incident Management Team member to request an exemption for you to attend campus. As additional information becomes available you will be informed through email correspondence from the Graduate Research Office.
Travel
All University travel, including intrastate travel, is cancelled until further notice. If you are currently intrastate for WIL or a practicum, you will receive tailored advice from the WIL team.
Student services
Student services, including the Student Centre, myMurdoch Advice and the Counselling service will revert to online services only. The Medical Service will operate a limited on-campus service for the lockdown period.
All Libraries (Geoffrey Bolton, Veterinary Science and Mandurah Libraries) will be closed, including the 24-hour learning spaces. Online library resources remain available.
Please note class sign up for Semester 1, 2021 will go ahead on Tuesday 2 February from 9:00am (AWST) as planned.
You can contact these services using the information below:
Campus facilities
During the lockdown, all food and beverage retailers on campus will remain closed. IGA Xpress has closed until further notice [updated 2 February 2021].
If you visit the campus for an essential reason, you must confirm you have not attended any of the locations identified by the WA Health Department. As per State Government advice, people who have been to these venues on these dates and times must get tested. They must then go home and isolate until their negative test results are returned.
You must also:
- Use the SafeWA app.
- Wear a face mask at all times.
- Only remain on campus long enough to perform your required task.
As always, it is essential you practice good sneeze and cough hygiene, wash your hands regularly, maintain physical distancing (1.5 metres), stay at home if you feel unwell and use the SafeWA app.
We thank you for your patience during this time. We will continue to update you as the situation evolves.
