Coronavirus update 11 03 2020

COVID-19 Update

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) update on travel restrictions — Italy
 

The Australian Government today added Italy to the list of travel restrictions, alongside China, Iran and South Korea.

These extended measures again serve to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission in Australia.

I would appreciate you taking the time to inform your staff and school community of this addition to the travel restrictions.

Given that this is a dynamically changing and complex situation with an evolving level of responsiveness across all levels of government, it is imperative that I keep you appraised of the most up-to-date advice that we receive.

The Commonwealth travel advice follows the decision I made yesterday that all school/departmental international student and staff travel should not proceed until further notice for all destinations other than New Zealand. 

Please note that the directive I issued yesterday only applies to school and departmental travel abroad. It does not include any private international travel plans that you have made or are considering. I would simply ask that you make informed decisions based on your personal circumstances in relation to your own health risk and after consideration of the Australian Government's travel advisory information available online at Smart Traveller.

Notwithstanding, all of the above information and advice is underpinned by the need for good personal hygiene, both at home and in a school setting.

Again, the message is very clear. To help stop the spread of germs, please make soap and paper towel available across our schools and workplaces and use these materials to wash your hands regularly, especially before and after eating, and after going to the toilet.

In addition to this advice, please:

• use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap is unavailable
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow
• dispose of tissues in the bin immediately