Yarra Theological Union would like to provide the following information on its response to the changing situation relating to COVID-19.

We are currently monitoring the situation and following government advice, as well as instruction from the University of Divinity. www.divinity.edu.au For updates on COVID-19 please see:  https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

Specific advice for Providers of Higher Education may be read in the related Fact Sheet which can be downloaded via this link https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-universities-higher-education-and-vocational-education-facilities

WHAT TO DO

As per Australian Government Guidelines, and for the protection of the whole community, please follow these guidelines (taken from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus#should-do):

1. Everyone should practise good hygiene to protect against infections. Good hygiene includes:

• regularly wash your hands after touching hard surfaces or having contact with animals
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth if you have not washed your hands
• do not have close contact with anyone who is showing signs of a respiratory illness
• avoid contact with wild or farm animals if travelling outside Australia
• monitor the advice for travellers (if you plan to travel) on the government Smartraveller website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

• If you are feeling unwell, please do not come into the College and contact your College Office if you will be absent. The Government recommends that you isolate yourself in the following ways:

• Do not go to public places, such as work, school, church, shopping centres, libraries, the gym, childcare, college or university.
• If possible ask other people to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door.
• Only please who usually live with you should be in your home. Do not let visitors in.

• Please do not bring sick children, family or community members, and friends in to the College.

• If you have travelled overseas to a high-rish or moderate-risk country, please self-isolate for 14 days before returning to your College. Please see: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources#for-travellers-who-have-been-in-mainland-china-iran-republic-of-korea-and-italy

and/ or

WHAT HAPPENS IF A CASE OF CORONAVIRUS IS CONFIRMED AT YTU

1. The College will close for two days to allow for the College to be disinfected
2. The University of Divinity Learning Management System ARK along with other electronic means such as ZOOM, or SKYPE, or email will be used for communication with classes.
3. For anyone experiencing symptoms please:
   1. Isolate yourself
   1. Call a medical practioner
      1. If you have trouble breathing call 000
      1. If you have general symptoms you can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse.
4. If you are confirmed as having COVID-19 please contact the YTU Office (03 9890 3771) urgently to advise of your contact with a class, lecturer, other students, admin staff etc.,

WHAT OTHER STEPS IS YTU COLLEGE KEEPING TO PROTECT STUDENTS?

• Encouraging everyone to wash hands often as per the instructions posted everywhere

• Keeping surfaces and benches clean in all relevant areas

• Providing as soon as supplies become available  hand sanitiser (or appropriate alternative) and tissues in kitchen areas, toilets  and classrooms

• Encouraging and maintaining good hygiene and food handling practices

• Following the Archdiocese Guidelines for the Sign of Peace and Distribution of Communion at mass.

• Praying for all our families, communities, colleagues, friends and other networks.

Coronavirus Health Information Hotline 1800 020 080