COVID-19 advice for the QUT community
Information updated: Thursday 15 April, 8am (AEST)
As part of QUT's commitment to our community's health and safety we are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and following all the relevant advice from government agencies and global organisations.
This page provides advice and information about support available to QUT staff and students. The page will be updated as needed.
- The Australian Government recommends all Australian citizens and residents return to Australia and has banned all overseas travel from Australia at this time.
- The Australian Government on 27 March 2020 advised that any person landing in Australia after midnight on Saturday 28 March 2020 would be forced to self-isolate for 14 days before returning home.
- Since 20 March 2020, only Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families have been permitted entry into Australia and have been required to self-isolate for 14 days. Certain travel exemptions apply to New Zealanders and Pacific Islanders. Read the advice issued by the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Health.
- People arriving in Queensland from overseas (except directly from New Zealand) are required to pay fees for their 14 days’ isolation in government-arranged accommodation.
- Restrictions may apply for people travelling from interstate to Queensland who have been in areas identified by health officials as COVID-19 hotspots. Travellers permitted to enter the state from these areas may be required to isolate in government-arranged accommodation for 14 days at their own expense.
Support for students
QUT has directed additional budget support towards The Emergency Student Fund that provides $1,000 to eligible students experiencing financial hardship. If you are in a position to assist, please join our QUT executives, other staff and alumni in making a donation.
How QUT is responding
We're adapting rapidly so we can continue to offer world-class education and research.
COVIDSafe app
Download the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Coronavirus Australia
Download the official government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, and/or join the WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.
Health advice
World Health Organization advises people to follow good hygiene practices, seek medical advice on fever, cough or difficulty breathing, and stay at home to recover.
Key dates
Semester 1 2021 is from 22 February to 26 June, with teaching periods from 1 March to 2 April and from 12 April to 4 June. Examinations will be held from 11-26 June.
In Semester 1 we will be offering both on-campus learning and online delivery of courses and units, in line with government advice and social/physical distancing guidelines. Faculties and QUT College will provide details to students of how their courses and units will be delivered.
Available services
The QUT Medical Centre can be contacted on 07 3138 2321 (Gardens Point) or 07 3138 3161 (Kelvin Grove) from Monday-Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm. In addition, you can also contact the Medibank OSHC Health and Support Line on 1800 887 283.
Register your details
We are committed to supporting all students who are currently directly affected by COVID-19. To ensure a consistent and appropriate approach, we ask you to provide your details and current status on an online form. This information will help us assist individuals and manage the potential impacts of the virus.
If you are either self-isolating as advised by a GP, Queensland Health or Home Affairs, self-isolating because you are caring for someone required to self-isolate, being tested for COVID-19, or have known test results please register.
If travel restrictions relating to COVID-19 are impacting your travel to Australia, please register here if you have not already done so. We are working with students individually to explore alternative options to support your studies.
Students returning to Brisbane
The Australian Government has in place restrictions on who is permitted entry into Australia from overseas. Travellers arriving into Australia are required to isolate for 14 days in government-arranged accommodation. The Queensland Government and other states and territories are charging fees for this accommodation.
Mandatory isolation and fees also apply to travellers permitted to enter Queensland from interstate who have been in areas identified by health officials as COVID-19 hotspots.
Exchange students
Given the current changing nature of Australian Government travel bans, please seek advice from QUT Global at stae@qut.edu.au.
Student support
The Australian Government has extended the Coronavirus supplement to students on Youth Allowance for Students, Austudy and ABSTUDY.
Who can I contact at QUT if I have questions?
Contact information
3138 2000 (within Australia)
+61 7 3138 2000 (outside Australia)
Faculty contacts
There may be some alternative study options available for your area of study. Your faculty will be in contact with you to discuss options, but you can also email the faculty directly:
- Engineering/Architecture/Built Environment – engineering@qut.edu.au
- Science/Maths/IT – science@qut.edu.au
For all other faculty enquiries, please contact askqut@qut.edu.au.
We are committed to supporting all staff who are currently directly affected by COVID-19. To ensure a consistent and appropriate approach, we ask you to provide your details and current status on an online form. This information will help us assist individuals and manage the potential impacts of the virus.
If you are either self-isolating as advised by a GP, Queensland Health or Home Affairs, self-isolating because you are caring for someone required to self-isolate, being tested for COVID-19, or have known test results please register.
Information for alumni and the community
Our QUT community has come together to support students in need as the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic take a financial toll
The Emergency Student Fund offers immediate support to our students in need by providing $1,000 to eligible students experiencing financial hardship.
If you are in a position to assist, please consider making a donation towards The Emergency Student Fund. A gift of any size will help a student in need.
Information for international students and agents
For international students
As part of QUT's commitment to our students' health and safety we are monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation and following all relevant advice from Australian government and world health authorities.
Whether you are in Brisbane or abroad, you can access current and relevant information on HiQ (requires login).
For students studying General English, English for Academic Purposes and Foundation, please seek advice from QUT College at college@qut.edu.au.
For international agents
We understand that agents are working closely with international students to help them make the right choices about the evolving COVID-19 situation.
More information
Health advice
QUT has activated its emergency health planning arrangements and convened a specialist advisory group, meeting regularly to consider any developments and potential impacts on our community and operations.
The group is monitoring and following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, Queensland Health and the World Health Organization. We will continue to update staff and students as new information becomes available.
If you feel unwell or have flu-like symptoms, stay at home. Contact your GP or phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and follow all medical advice. Ensure you call ahead if visiting a doctor or clinic.
Washing hands
To help stop the spread, it's important to practise good hygiene
FAQs
Can I visit QUT campuses and facilities?
The QUT Library and computer labs are open. HiQ is open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm.
At our Gardens Point campus, The Cube, the QUT Art Museum, William Robinson Gallery, Old Government House and QUT Gardens Theatre have reopened to visitors with COVIDSafe guidelines in place.
At our Kelvin Grove campus, The Sphere is open.
Regular arrangements have resumed for routine campus deliveries. QUT Logistics Centre (F Block, Level 1, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove 4059) is able to take delivery of goods for both Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses, with certain exceptions for chemicals, dangerous goods and refrigerated items. For information on restrictions and arrangements, email qut.mailroom@qut.edu.au.
All students, staff and visitors to our campuses and facilities must follow government directions on social distancing and good hygiene practices.
Why has QUT established QR code check-in stations?
QUT is rolling out a QR code for check-in at teaching spaces across our Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses.
- Use the camera on your phone to hover over the QR code.
- Tap on the website when it pops up.
- Fill in your details.
- Once your check-in has been processed, a 'tick' will appear on your screen.
Check-in with the QR code is not compulsory but will make contact tracing more efficient, should it be necessary to undertake. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping QUT COVID-19 safe.
Contact information collected by QUT will be securely stored and disposed of after 56 days, unless otherwise specified. Read our privacy notice.
Will QUT change its payment terms for suppliers that may be facing financial hardship?
QUT will act fairly and reasonably to support our suppliers. Where immediate payment cannot be made by QUT corporate credit card, the university will consider requests for shorter invoice payment terms on a case-by-case basis.
QUT Procurement will liaise directly with suppliers and key stakeholders to assess early payments. Suppliers can email procurement@qut.edu.au.
Can I access QUT Library and library services?
HiQ is open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm. All QUT branch libraries remain open. You can chat to a librarian via phone, email or online. If you need more information or would like help, please contact QUT Library.
Should I wear a face mask?
The Department of Health and Queensland Health are not recommending routine use of face masks in Queensland, and QUT continues to adopt this approach.
Queensland Health advises that social distancing, coupled with regular hand washing, is the best measure to prevent infection spread. Face masks can be a useful additional measure where there is sustained community transmission of COVID-19. At this time, Queensland does not have sustained community transmission.
People may personally choose to bring their own face masks and wear them on campus. For information about how to safely wear, dispose of and clean masks visit Queensland Health.
What is COVID-19?
A new strain of coronavirus (officially named Corona Virus Disease COVID-19 by the World Health Organization) was identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China, in January 2020. It belongs to a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses similar to a common cold, and also more serious disease, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
How is COVID-19 spread?
Scientists are working to understand more about COVID-19. Similar viruses spread from person-to-person through cough and sneeze droplets or touching an infected person.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can include fever, flu-like illness such as a cough, sore throat and headaches, and difficulty breathing. Authorities believe it can take up to 14 days after exposure for symptoms to develop, and people may be contagious before showing symptoms.
Who is most at risk?
The elderly and people with underlying health problems or compromised immune systems may be at particular risk.
Is there a specific treatment for COVID-19?
There is no specific treatment for this new strain of coronavirus. Australian scientists are among those working around the world to develop a vaccine. Symptoms can be treated with supportive medical care.
What should I do if I experience symptoms?
Anyone who experiences flu-like symptoms, fever or difficulty breathing should seek medical advice or visit a GP immediately. People should call ahead and advise of their symptoms and their recent travel.
How can I protect myself and others?
One easy and effective way to help protect against transmission of COVID-19 and other infections is to maintain good personal hygiene standards.
- If you begin to exhibit any symptoms such as fever, a dry cough or fatigue, you should contact your GP or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84). If you have breathing difficulties call 000 and advise the operator you have flu-like symptoms.
- Stay at home if you are unwell.
To reduce the spread of infection to yourself and others, health authorities recommend to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. As a minimum, handwashing should occur:
- when you arrive at work
- when you arrive home
- after you have disembarked public transport or entered/exited a public space
- before and after preparing or eating food
- after sneezing or coughing – use a facial tissue or the crook of your elbow to minimise droplet spread
- after using the toilet/washroom
- during normal daily activities where your hands are in contact with many different surfaces, such as shared equipment
- once your hands are washed, please dry them thoroughly using a hand air dryer or paper towels.
If you are on campus but in a location where you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water, then please use a hand sanitiser – the university has 200 alcohol-based hand rub dispensers placed across our Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses.
More information from the Department of Health.
What is social distancing?
Social distancing means reducing close contact between yourself and others.
Some of the measures you can take are:
- to stay at home and away from others if you are unwell
- if you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, move away from others
- stay at least 1.5m away from other people as much as you can (e.g. in meeting rooms, lifts, common areas)
- large gatherings should be rescheduled, staggered or cancelled
- don't greet people with a handshake, hug or kiss
- hold meetings via video conferencing, phone call or outside in the open air, where possible
- use stairs as an alternative to the lift.
Watch the Department of Health social distancing video and find more information in the guidance on social distancing.
To reduce risks of COVID-19 transmission, the Queensland Government has in place restrictions on gatherings.
Under these, university campuses are open for face-to-face learning with limits for the number of people permitted in large lecture rooms. Limits do not apply to smaller teaching areas. On campus, social distancing and good hygiene practices must be followed.
What does self-isolation mean?
Except to get medical care, you should not attend public places, work, school, childcare or university. Only people who usually live in the household should be in the home. Do not allow visitors into the home. Where possible, have other people get food and other necessities for you. If you need support organising essential food and medicines while you are self-isolating, the Queensland Government has set up a dedicated hotline for Queenslanders, on 1800 173 349. More information on self-isolation.
What medical help is available at QUT?
The QUT Medical Centre can be contacted on 07 3138 2321 (Gardens Point) or 07 3138 3161 (Kelvin Grove) from Monday-Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm. The Medibank OSHC Health and Support Line can also be contacted on 1800 887 283.
What are the main myths or fake news about COVID-19?
Misinformation and fear about COVID-19 have been spreading quickly on the Internet and social media. Here is the latest advice for the public by Queensland Health.