Update 2 May 2021 regarding masks: Please read here.

This message contains important information regarding the University’s COVID-19 response and your studies. Please take the time to read it in full.

The Western Australian Government has announced that from 12.01am Saturday 1 May, the current COVID-19 restrictions will change. 

We are excited to welcome you back to campus, with the Government advising that Universities may reopen and resume delivery of on-campus teaching with COVID-19 safety measures in place.  

Other post-lockdown transitional arrangements include:

• Everyone must continue to wear a mask in public indoor spaces and on public transport and public outdoor settings where physical distancing is not possible. 
• Travel is permitted in and out of the Perth and Peel regions to other parts of WA, with the exception of remote Aboriginal communities, however the mask rules apply to anyone who has been in Perth since 17 April.

The Government’s full announcement can be read online.

Advice for on-campus classes 

All on-campus teaching and learning activities will resume on campus from Monday next week, as per your class timetable. Classes with an online class location will remain online. 

All students and staff must wear a mask when indoors on campus, unless you are exempt based on the reasons supplied by WA Health. This includes classrooms, the Library, the Student Hub and at all student services.  

You are required to bring your own mask to campus.  

Teaching staff are permitted to remove their mask when giving direct instructions to enable students to see and hear without obstruction.

For unit and course-specific questions, please refer to unit LMS sites and your emails for advice from Unit Coordinators and Heads of Disciplines.  

Student services 

The Student Centre, all My Murdoch Advice locations and the Library will reopen with their usual operating hours.  

Murdoch University Medical and Counselling Services will also reopen as usual. Please visit the website for advice on making an appointment. 

We encourage you to access support online where possible to help with distancing and safety requirements.

Research and Higher Degree Students

On-campus research activity, including HDR related research, may resume from 12.01 this Saturday 1 May 2021. All activities must be in accordance with all health and safety guidance including wearing masks and observing the 2-square metre capacity rule where possible. 

Masks must be worn indoors in accordance with WA Government health advice. 

Researchers working in PC2 or PC3 laboratories and AA facilities must use the disposable masks provided. These masks must be disposed of correctly before exiting the lab, in line with government requirements. You are not allowed to remove masks or protective equipment from any of these facilities. 

Disposal and decontamination of used PPE must follow facility specific procedures by dedicated trained staff. When travelling to and from these facilities, and around campus, personal masks must be worn in accordance with the latest government health advice.

Work Integrated Learning

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements can occur unless you hear otherwise regarding your individual placement, either from Murdoch University or your host organisation. 

While on placement, you must follow all mandated government disease protection measures.

You must also follow any additional requirements and direction implemented by the Murdoch WIL Placement team and your host organisation provider. This includes the completion of the WIL COVID-19 Declaration Form provided to you prior to placement.

Vaccinations 

If you have booked an influenza or COVID vaccination, you should attend the clinic at the time you are booked to have your vaccination.

Campus food and hospitality

On-campus food and hospitality venues can reopen. When visiting these venues, you must follow the Government requirements relating to physical distancing, wearing of masks and using the SafeWA mobile app, including for takeaway orders. 

Opening hours and seating availability may vary from usual to comply with the interim restrictions. 

Sport and recreation 

The University’s Sport and Recreation Centre will remain closed over the weekend, reopening as usual at 6:00am on Monday 3 May 2021 with a minimum of 2-square metres per person. Members of the Zone Fitness Centre will be contacted directly.

The post-lockdown transitional arrangements require everyone inside the Centre to be wearing a mask, even whilst working out.

Campus safety

While on campus, we must all follow the COVID-19 Campus Protocols so we can continue to ensure our campuses remain safe places for everyone.

Before returning to campus, please be familiar with the individual actions outlined in these protocols so that we can all take to keep our community safe and healthy.

It is mandatory to scan the sign-posted venue QR code (or fill in the register provided) upon entry to campus venues using the SafeWA mobile app. This includes takeaway-only customers at food outlets.

As has been the case throughout this pandemic, please do not come to campus if you feel unwell in any way and seek immediate advice from WA Health. 

If you are suspected to have or are confirmed to have COVID-19, you must alert your Unit Coordinator immediately so they can report it through the formal University channels. 

Next steps 

Please continue to check your emails, unit LMS pages and the student portal for the latest advice and updates, as well as following the Government advice issued by the WA Department of Health.

Thank you all for your ongoing cooperation and assistance – especially in relation to observing COVID-19 health and hygiene protocols - you are playing an important role in protecting the health and safety of our community.

Please visit our COVID-19 latest updates page for more advice, resources and FAQs.