COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Policies & Updates

On the 11th of March 2020, the World Health Organization announced that COVID-19 is a pandemic.

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We are indeed going through very challenging times and the circumstances surrounding this public health emergency are rapidly changing. We shall endeavour to update this site whenever we can. However, both the Australian Government and the Department of Health would be the best source of reference.

 

You may have some questions about the policy changes and how you are being affected.  If you are not able to obtain an answer to your query, you can connect with us and we will do our best to assist. Information about visas and the conditions attached can be found on the website of the Department of Home Affairs.

 

Your safety and wellbeing are a priority and the safety and wellbeing of others in your community are just as important. Do observe the guidelines issued by the Australian Government.

Frequently asked questions

LATEST UPDATES

16 March 2020 : Self-isolation

The Prime Minister of Australia has announced that as of 12:00am, 16 March, all people returning / coming into Australia from international travel must self-isolate for 14 days after the date of arrival in Australia.



Where can I find the latest information on the number of COVID-19 infected cases?

Daily reports on COVID-19 case numbers and the current situation in Australia and overseas are found HERE.



24 March 2020: WA & SA closes borders

The WA Government has announced it will close its borders from 1:30pm (AWST) on Tuesday, although exemptions will apply for essential services and workers. Interstate arrivals will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, and the border controls will apply to all road, air, rail and sea access points.



25 March 2020: Overseas travel ban

Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents are restricted from travelling overseas from 25 March 2020



20 March 2020: Inbound travel ban for visitors to Australia

From 9pm AEDT 20 March 2020, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.



4 April 2020: Coronovirus and Temporary Visa Holders

The Government is making a number of changes to temporary visa holder arrangements during the coronavirus crisis in order to protect the health and livelihoods of Australians, support critical industries, and assist with the rapid recovery post the virus. If you are a temporary visa holder, including international students, work holiday makers and tourist, it is important to access the updates on the Department's website HERE.



MY RESPONSIBILITIES

What can I do to minimise the spread of germs?

  • To minimise the spread of any germs you should regularly clean surfaces that are frequently touched such as door handles, light switches, kitchen and bathroom areas.
  • Use household detergent or disinfectant.
  • Wash your hands frequently, soap your hands for at least 20 seconds, if not, use hand sanitizer.
  • Ensure that your room is well-ventilated.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or you can cough or sneeze into your elbow.
  • Do not shake dirty laundry; this minimises the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.



SELF-ISOLATION

How do I manage my period of isolation?

  • Continue to remain updated with the news on COVID-19.
  • Where possible, keep up normal daily routines, such as eating and exercise.
  • Get online for your study programme, chat with teachers and counsellors and submission of homework and assignments.
  • Do things that help you relax and use isolation as an opportunity to do activities you don’t usually have time for. YouTube channels are great for Yoga and Pilates regimes.
  • Keep in touch with your circle of friends and family members via telephone, email or social media etc. We do that all the time anyway, so you are NOT alone!
  • The above advice has been adapted from various sources.



What does self-isolation mean?

Self-isolation means staying home or staying in your temporary arranged facility until the critical period of 14 days lapse. Self-isolation is a precautionary measure to PROTECT THOSE AROUND YOU – your family, friends, colleagues, the community at large - from possibly contracting COVID-19. This is a moral duty and act of selflessness for you to practice so that we can all come together to battle the spread of COVID-19. ​ Self-isolation is proven to be an effective measure of prevention. Self-isolation is not difficult, and it only requires you to think and adopt simple, common-sense steps to avoid close contact with other people as much as possible, like you would with the seasonal flu virus. You should limit your contact with people other than the family members/companions you travelled with, or live with. If you need to speak with your counsellor, call 086381 0030 or text us through Whatsapp at +61 411 708 899. ​ Meanwhile, some guidelines for you to follow in terms of what ‘self-isolation’ mean?

  • You must stay at home or in your hotel or student housing facility.
  • You must not go to public places including work, school, childcare, universities or public gatherings.
  • Only people who usually live with you should be in the home or where you are placed.
  • Do not allow visitors to come see you at your home. Similarly, do NOT seek to visit others.
  • If you are in a hotel, avoid contact with other guests or staff, and keep yourself away from the pools and gym!
  • Ask others who are not in isolation to get food and necessities delivered to you.
  • If you need to leave home to seek medical care, wear a surgical mask.
  • It is crucial that you avoid using public transportation.



Can I go outside?

If you live in a private house, it is safe for you to go into your garden or courtyard. Anything outdoors with fresh air and sunshine and no persons in proximity would be acceptable. Avoid touching anything. If you live in an apartment or are staying in a hotel, or a student facility, it is also safe for you to go into the garden but you should wear a surgical mask to minimise risk to others and move quickly through any common areas.



HEALTH INFO SUPPORT

What do I do if I don't feel well?

If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness or shortness of breath, especially if you have just travelled in the last 14 days, you should arrange to see a doctor for urgent assessment. If you suspect you may have coronavirus symptoms or may have had close contact with a person who has coronavirus, you should contact the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.



What do you need to do before you arrive at a clinic?

Before you arrive in any other health care clinic or hospital, call them and tell them your travel history or that you have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus. You must remain isolated in your home, hotel or a healthcare setting until public health authorities inform you that it is safe for you to return to your usual activities.



Where can I get tested or treated if I have the symptoms?

COVID-19 Clinics are open 8:00a.m. to 8:00p.m. daily at:

  • Royal Perth Hospital – GF, Ainslie House, 48 Murray Street, Perth.
  • Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital – C Block, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands.
  • Fiona Stanley Hospital – Bedbrook Row, north-eastern end of hospital, Murdoch.



What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms include shortness of breath or cough, with or without a fever. In some cases, the virus can cause severe pneumonia. From what we know now about COVID-19, the symptoms can start between 2 and 14 days from exposure to the virus.