Please read this message in full, as it contains important information regarding the University’s COVID-19 response.

The Western Australian Government has advised that from 12:01am on Saturday, 3 July, the current lockdown will be replaced by a post-lockdown transition period for the Perth and Peel regions in a stepped process until 12.01am on Monday, 12 July.

The post lockdown transitional measures for the Perth and Peel regions that will apply from 12.01am Saturday, 3 July until 12.01am Tuesday, 6 July include:

• Universities may reopen subject to adherence to strict restrictions announced by the Government.
• A four (4) square metre distancing rule and 20-person indoor capacity rule for venues will apply.
• Everyone must continue to wear a mask in public and while at work, unless exempt for medical reasons or for outdoor vigorous exercise.
• The Government has asked that people work from home if they are able to.
• All businesses and venues can re-open subject to COVID-19 disease protection measures.
• Indoor community sports remain suspended.
• Travel can resume in and out of the Perth and Peel regions to other parts of Western Australia, but restrictions will apply (e.g., wearing of masks, no visiting hospitality venues, take-away only).?

The post lockdown transitional measures for the Perth and Peel regions that will apply from 12.01am Tuesday, 6 July until 12.01am Monday, 12 July include:

• A two (2) square metre distancing rule and 150-person indoor capacity will apply.
• Masks will not be required outside where physical distancing is possible. However, masks will remain mandatory for indoor public venues, including in the workplace and on public transport.
• The Government has asked that people work from home when they are able to.
• All businesses and venues, including gyms can re-open with COVID-19 disease protection measures applied, except for the casino and nightclubs.
• The occupancy of tiered theatres is limited to 50 per cent capacity.

The Government’s full announcement can be accessed online.

All on-campus classes on Monday, 5 July are to be moved to online.

From Tuesday, 6 July to Friday, 9 July all on-campus classes scheduled can resume if they can occur in a space that fits the 2 square metre rule. PDCSO will re-timetable classes into appropriate spaces as needed and available. Any classes that cannot fit the 2 square metre rule will be moved online. Affected students will be notified separately.

Students on campus are required to adhere to all Department of Health advice including observing physical distancing and wearing a mask, unless they are exempt based on the reasons supplied by WA Health.

The Student Centre and Library will re-open from Tuesday, 6 July with capacity limits for face-to-face services. Students are encouraged to continue to use our comprehensive online and telephone services as required.

Work Integrated Learning

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements can resume, provided students follow all mandated government disease protection measures and the host organisation has agreed to the placement.

Work Integrated Learning students must adhere to Government advice around travelling in and out of the Perth and Peel region, and ensure they are carrying the appropriate documentation as outlined by the WA Government.

Students must also follow any additional requirements and direction implemented by the Murdoch WIL team and their placement provider. This includes the completion of the WIL COVID-19 Student Declaration Form provided to students prior to placement.

Research

Research may recommence on campus. Masks must be worn in accordance with WA Government health advice.

The applicable square metre and capacity rules should be observed where possible. In office, laboratory or other spaces where this is not possible, approval must be sought from the PVC Research & Innovation (PVCI), Lucy Johnston.

All higher degree by research (HDR) candidates must check with their supervisors before recommencing research on campus.

Sports, events and external bookings

University events can proceed as planned, provided they comply with the government restrictions and disease protection measures in place at the time of the event.

Outdoor community sports can recommence without spectators from this Saturday, 3 July. Murdoch Sports and Recreation Centre (including the Gym) will reopen from Tuesday, 6 July with government-mandated disease protection measures applied.

Gym opening hours will be 6am to 10pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm over the weekends from Tuesday, 6 July until Monday, 12 July.

The Viking Kids Holiday Program will commence on Tuesday, 6 July. Parents who have bookings for Monday, 5 July can contact Murdoch Sports’ reception for a refund or credit.

Student events and school outreach activities can also proceed if they strictly adhere to government guidance and disease protection measures. Preparations for the 2021 Open Day will continue as planned until further notice.

Requests to book Murdoch University facilities by external parties are not to recommence until further notice.

Campus safety

The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority. It is the responsibility of anyone returning to campus to adhere to our COVID-19 Campus Protocols, so we can continue to ensure our campuses remain safe places for everyone.

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

These include wearing a mask unless you are exempt and scanning the sign-posted venue QR code upon entry to campus venues using the SafeWA mobile app.

Although a number of food, drink and other retail outlets will be open from Monday, 5 July there is likely be some disruption to the normal opening hours for some outlets on campus next week.

Next steps

We appreciate this is an uncertain time for the University community while we adapt to this ever-changing environment.

The University’s Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT) continues to meet regularly and monitor the health advice and will continue to do so throughout next week.

Again, thank you to everyone at the University who has worked together to keep us all healthy, safe and connected during these challenging times.