MIT’s response to COVID–19

Updated: 16 March 2020

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation has continued to evolve around the world, MIT has been actively assessing the risk and impact on a daily basis and monitoring guidance from public health and regulatory authorities. Our primary concerns are health and safety of our students and staff

Returned travellers

On 15 March 2020, the Australian Government announced:

  • all travellers to Australia will be required to self-isolate for 14 days

If you have arrived in Australia since 16th March 2020 at 12am you must not enter the campus and return home to self-isolate for 14 days.

If you are feeling unwell- do not enter the campus.

Instead seek medical treatment or call the National Coronavirus Helpline

For information on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), call the Australian Government's National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Any MIT students or staff who are in this situation are encouraged to contact the campus to notify of their situation. Campus staff are also attempting to contact those who may be impacted to offer guidance and support. Special consideration is being extended to those impacted.

  • Students unable to return to Australia, or unable to return to the campus to continue their studies may need to have their study deferred. This will not affect their visa status. Students should contact the Student Counsellor & Advocacy Officers on their campus for further details:
  • Staff unable to return to Australia or the campus will need to contact and notify the relevant Campus Director:

 

What are the symptoms of the Novel coronavirus?

  • The Novel Corona Virus is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. There is no known cure. There is evidence that it spreads from person to person, so good hygiene can prevent infection.
  • Symptoms can include (but are not limited to) fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath.

 

International travel

 

If you’re feeling unwell – Off-Campus

  • If you are experiencing symptoms, please stay home and call the Department of Health and Human Services dedicated novel coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398, and wear a surgical mask to avoid the potential spread of any illness.
  • MIT provides free confidential counselling support for any MIT student. If you need support at any time, please call 03 8600 6700.

 

If you’re feeling unwell – On Campus

  • For anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath after arriving on campus:
    • Avoid contact with others.
    • Go immediately to the closest on-site location:

      Allocated First Aid Spaces

      Melbourne CampusSydney Campus
      Level 2M – ReceptionLevel 3 – Library
      Level 6 – Academic ReceptionLevel 7 –Main Reception

       

  • Please be aware to keep an appropriate distance from people around you and alert the staff member at reception.
  • A staff member will provide you with a mask, direct you to an allocated room and contact health services.
  • An MIT First Aid Officer will be called to assist you.
  • We will provide you with contact details of the nearest medical facility.

 

Instructions for staff (not at reception and not first aiders):

If a student or staff member present with flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath and says they are feeling unwell;

 

Attendance

  • Students and staff attending classes are asked to self-exclude from classes if they feel unwell or are experiencing symptoms.
  • If staff members feel stressed or anxious about the situation, please discuss your personal health circumstances with a medical professional, and if required discuss with your supervisor.

 

Staff and Student leave provisions

We are aware that some staff and students may need to take an approved leave of absence, or deferral of studies due to travel restrictions, self-isolation or ill-heath. Students should contact the Student Counsellor & Advocacy Officers on their campus for further details:

Staff should contact the relevant Campus Director:

We are aware that some staff may need to take care of children who are unable to attend school due to adviced from the Department of Health. You may be eligible for carer's leave.

 

Looking After your Mental Health

If staff or students feel stressed or anxious about the situation, the following external services can assist.

LIfeline
24 hour telephone counselling service. Phone: 13 11 14
http://www.lifeline.org.au/

Mensline Australia
A dedicated service for men with relationship and family concerns. Phone: 1300 78 99 78
http://www.mensline.org.au/

beyondblue Support Service - Support. Advice. Action
Information and referral to relevant services for depression and anxiety related matters. Phone: 1300 22 46 36
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute is a world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/gettinghelp/overview.cfm

Headspace
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. We help young people who are going through a tough time.
http://www.headspace.org.au/

PANDA - National Perinatal Depression Helpline
PANDA’s National Perinatal Depression Helpline, funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments, provides vital support, information, referral and counselling to thousands of Australian parents and their families.  Callers do not need to have a diagnosis of antenatal or postnatal depression to make contact with the Helpline, PANDA is keen to support any new parent struggling during pregnancy or after the birth of their baby, as well as their partner, family and friends. Phone: 1300 726 306 from Mon – Fri, 9am – 7.30pm (AEST/AEDT).
http://www.panda.org.au/

Parentline
Parent Line is a telephone service for parents and carers of children 0-18 in New South Wales. Phone: 1300 1300 52
http://www.parentline.org.au/

ReachOut.com
ReachOut.com is Australia’s leading online youth mental health service. ReachOut.com is an initiative of the Inspire Foundation, an Australian non-profit with a mission to help young people lead happier lives.
http://au.reachout.com/

SANE Australia
SANE Australia is a national charity helping all Australians affected by mental illness lead a better life – through campaigning, education and research. SANE conducts innovative programs and campaigns to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends. It also operates a busy Helpline and website, which have thousands of contacts each year from around Australia. Phone: 1800 187 263
http://www.sane.org/index.php

 

More Information

The Australian Government Department of Health is working across agencies and with states and territories to implement measures to manage the risk of COVID-19.

For the latest information see the Department of Health - Novel Coronavirus

For information about visas, see the following fact sheets: