COVID-19 (coronavirus) advice for the UQ community - STAFF - Return to campus

COVID-19 Health resources (zip, 3mb)

Physical Distancing resources (zip, 2.1mb)

UQ campuses and sites are only hosting events that relate to campus experience for current students; future student recruitment; or events that are deemed to be University critical activities by the Vice Chancellor’s Committee. Read the COVID-Safe Guide – Planning for Events at UQ here.

Events that are primarily for external parties or the public should not be organised on campus for the foreseeable future. 

UQ Sport, public facilities and services (courts, playground, and restaurants), Customs House, museums, and galleries are subject to other government guidelines. 

Actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses include:

• Frequently cleaning hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
• Avoid sharing objects like phones, keyboards and pens, and clean these objects often.
• Do not touch your face
• When coughing and sneezing, cover the mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or a tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is unwell, especially a fever or cough
• If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Call ahead and share any previous travel history with your health care provider
• Practice physical distancing
• Stay home if you’re feeling unwell
   
  We’ve prepared a factsheet on ways to help limit the spread of the virus. Read it here.

The regular contract cleaning of approximately 40,000 spaces around campuses is continuing with a focus on all hard surfaces and touch points using paper towel and sanitiser.

Separate teams work in higher-traffic buildings and areas from 9am-5pm sanitising hard surfaces and touch points (e.g. handles, rail, bins, switches, bathrooms, water bubblers, equipment). This team is also despatched by HSW for precautionary cleaning where a person has flu-like symptoms and has gone home ill, or where a person has been contacted by QLD Health as a potential close contact of a confirmed case.

Staff and students can also help by cleaning their work areas. Work practices such as cleaning commonly touched surfaces such as benches, lab equipment, desks, phones, remote controls, printers, fax machines, computer mice and keyboards, (several times per day) help reduce the threat of disease transmission. Cleaning products can be purchased via UQ eMarket. If you require specific disinfecting supplies (designed for killing viruses) that are not readily available via UQ eMarket contact procurement@uq.edu.au for assistance. Always use cleaning products as recommended on manufacturer labels.

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after cleaning. Hand washing should include the use of regular soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. If soap is not immediately available, use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol content or greater. Remember – DO NOT touch your face when cleaning. Avoid touching your face, hair, and neck as much as you can always.

Yes - some of the things you should consider include:

• Cancelling or postponing non-essential visits.
• Minimise the number of workers attending to deliveries and contactors as much as possible.
• Provide clear instructions about UQ requirements while they are on site.
• Minimise physical interaction where possible by using contactless methods, mobile phones.
• Ensure compliance with 1.5 m physical distancing requirements. This may require staff to work in another location while contractor works are being conducted.

Managers and Heads of organisational units are responsible for local implementation of the Return to Campus Roadmap, including:

• Ensuring a COVID-19 Physical distancing Management Plan is completed locally and any outstanding items are actioned as soon as reasonably practicable.
• Intervening constructively if any behaviours or activities appear to be in breach of COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
• Ensure staff in local area are maintaining physical distancing, hygiene practices and stay home if unwell.
• Allocate resourcing to ensure compliance with Returning to Campus – planning guidance on health aspects to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 safety note

For more details see the COVID-19 Support Toolkit for Managers.

Yes - Supervisors must be familiar with their OHS obligations under PPL 2.10.04 to provide appropriate guidance and supervision of workers.  You must ensure that anyone under your supervision, including HDR or Masters students:

• Is notified of UQ’s expectations about COVID risk management (refer to UQ COVID page) and that they are not to attend campus if they are unwell;
• Has been provided with a local site safety induction including completion of the training indicated by the Training Needs analysis;
• Is aware of the local area emergency procedures and any COVID-19 Management Plans,
• Is directed to seek further guidance and training before commencing a new task and to ensure appropriate training and risk assessment is conducted;
• Adheres to the physical distancing requirements - where compliance with physical distancing requirements cannot be met, other appropriate risk mitigation measures must be implemented;
• Is encouraged to use impeccable personal hygiene practices including frequent handwashing;
• Clean  down shared desks and bench spaces, and shared training/ communal equipment between users and after use;
• Has been consulted on and notified of any relevant risk assessments for their tasks and ensure that all controls are implemented;
• Is using PPE appropriate to the task at all times as identified in the risk assessment;
• Report any workplace injuries and illness to the supervisor as soon as practicable and record these in UQSafe.

The supervisor must also implement a robust communication process to ensure contact and direction can be given at any time. Frequent and regular Zoom meetings may be an appropriate option.

The following is a summary of the key recommendations and actions to follow. The full details can be found here.

• In circumstances where face to face meetings occur, reduce the number of attendees so that at least 1.5 metres between attendees if possible and reduce length of meetings. 
• If physical distancing is not possible or there are not rooms large enough to accommodate everyone required, utilise videoconferencing or teleconferencing options for meetings.
• Do not share equipment including pens, keyboards, etc.
• Practice impeccable hand and respiratory hygiene - avoid touching your face with your fingers and any physical contact such as shaking hands
• Keep record of attendance, to facilitate contact tracing if required.
• People who are ill should be asked to remain at home.

Safety Note: Meeting protocols to manage the risk of COVID-19 transmission

Not necessarily. Hot desking will have to be done in a different way, however if you can avoid hot desking arrangements you should. Physical distancing and good hygiene practices are key controls for stopping the spread of COVID-19 so you should consider first whether it is reasonably practicable for you to temporarily cease hot desking arrangements for the duration of the pandemic.

If it is not reasonably practicable to temporarily cease hot desking then you must implement measures to minimise the risk of the spread of infection through this practice. For example:

• Ensure workspaces (desks, chairs, shelves etc.) are cleaned either at the end of the day where only one person has used the workspace, or after each use by a person where multiple people are using the workspace throughout the day.
• Where possible, you should have your own equipment such as keyboards and mice, so they are not shared between people. If sharing equipment is unavoidable, ensure that you have ready access to appropriate cleaning supplies to enable equipment to be thoroughly wiped down or cleaned after use by a person.
• Minimise the number of people in the office and therefore hot desking at any one time. For example, work from home if possible, stagger shift times or allow people to work flexible hours.
• Use only a limited number of desks within the workplace for hot desking and allow people to "opt out" of the practice if they wish

On 10 July 2020, further restrictions eased in Queensland consistent with the Queensland Government Roadmap to Easing Restrictions. Consistent with this advice, UQ has moved to Stage 3 of our UQ roadmap which has been developed to guide the transition of staff, students and visitors back to UQ campuses and sites, and the phased resumption of activities.  

 UQ has also taken guidance from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPCC) statement issued on 6 July 2020 about how to manage health risks as COVID-19 measures lift particularly in relation to people vulnerable to COVID-19.  The AHPCC states that: 

 "As the current level of COVID-19 cases is low, people, even those at higher risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19, can return to work and other settings with appropriate precautions in place. The risk of becoming infected with SARS-CoV2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) depends on the chance of being close to someone with COVID-19 or coming into contact with surfaces contaminated by the virus. Because of this the local pattern of disease is the most important determinant of risk of contracting COVID-19 illness in any community. If there are no cases or a low number of cases and no evidence of community transmission, then the risk of exposure is low regardless of age or health conditions.” 

 Even though, as at 14 July 2020 cases in Queensland remain low, it is critical that all (including those vulnerable to COVID-19) staff:  

• Stay home if you’re feeling unwell 
• Practice physical distancing 
• Frequently cleaning hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water 
• Avoid sharing objects like phones, keyboards and pens, and clean these objects often. 
• When coughing and sneezing, cover the mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or a tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands 
• Touch your face less 
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is unwell, especially a fever or cough 
• If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Call ahead and share any previous travel history with your health care provider 

We’ve prepared a factsheet on ways to help limit the spread of the virus. Read it here. 

Managers may also need to consider advice from a vulnerable staff member's medical practitioner when discussing and determining work arrangements with the staff member.   

If you need further advice for managing working requests for vulnerable workers in your team or if you are a vulnerable worker and need advice you can contact the AskHR on +61 7 3365 2623 or email askhr@uq.edu.au. 

Yes. Physical distancing limits contact between people and helps lower chances of spreading the virus. It includes:

• Staying 1.5 metres away from others
• Not touching others
• Not sharing belongings such as keyboards, pens and phones
• Decreasing physical contact in workplace e.g., limit in-person meetings, meeting for lunch in a break room, etc
• Staggering work schedules.

We’ve prepared some resources to help you practice physical distancing:

• Physical distancing in general UQ work areas
• Physical distancing in libraries
• Physical distancing in cafes and general eating areas
• Physical distancing in teaching and learning environments
• Physical distancing in laboratories and practical learning settings
• A PowerPoint for lecturers to use to educate the class on physical distancing here
• Social distancing infographic

The following is a summary of key recommendations:

• Use videoconference or teleconference for meetings and cancel or postpone any non-essential face to face meeting.
• Reduce the number of attendees from the one team - work out mandatory and most appropriate representation.
• Maintain 1.5 metres between attendees.
• Avoid physical contact, no handshaking.
• Keep the meetings as short as possible.
• Avoid sharing equipment including pens, keyboards, mice, etc.
• Remember it is essential to practise impeccable hand and respiratory hygiene - avoid touching your face.
• Keep a record of attendance.
• And remember, you should not be at work if you feel ill.

Safety Note: Meeting protocols to manage the risk of COVID-19 transmission

Currently there is no evidence of community transmission in Queensland, therefore the risk of contracting COVID-19 in the community is low. This situation can change and we will monitor the advice from the Chief Health Officer daily.

Practicing healthy hygiene habits is the best way to mitigate health risks. If you're struggling with anxiety or worry about COVID-19, check the Head to Health's COVID19 support page which outlines some steps you can take.

If you believe your request to delay your return has not been given adequate consideration, you can contact the HR COVID line on +61 7 3365 2623 or email askhr@uq.edu.au

It is normal to experience some worry or concern, but if those feelings start to affect your mental or physical wellbeing it is recommended that you seek support from a health professional. We’ve prepared a resource to help you identify if you need help; find support; and offers tips for managing stress and anxiety. You can find more resources and information here.

For UQ staff and their immediate families, free, confidential counselling and support is available through Benestar, UQ’s Employee Assistance Program. You may also wish to discuss your concerns with your immediate supervisor or local Human Resources contact.

UQ students, feel free to contact Student Services:  student.services@uq.edu.au | +61 (07) 3365 1704 | Australia toll free: 1800 512 391.

Other helpful strategies may include:

• Access accurate information from reliable sources such as the UQ COVID-19 web page, Queensland Health or Commonwealth Department of Health. 
• Avoid relying on unofficial social media posts! Remember to take a break from the news or social media if you are starting to feel overwhelmed.
• Maintain your usual routine and activities, where possible and appropriate.
• Stay connected with others.
• Reach out for support if you need it.

The University will be notified by Queensland Public Health (QPH) of a confirmed case.  If this occurs, UQ has a process in place that offers any assistance that is required by QPH to help them determine which (if any) staff or students may have come into close contact with the person.  This is conducted in collaboration with information provided by the affected person. 

QPH will use the available information to begin contact tracing and will contact people who have potentially been in contact.  Depending on QPH’s assessment they will provide advice to contacts about what they should do.  For example, directing close contacts to self-isolate.

In some cases QPH may ask UQ to make this contact on behalf of QPH and to provide instruction. 

The university will notify the relevant management and the local Health and Safety Manager when QPH notifies UQ of a confirmed case.

Relevant areas will be cleaned by P&F (according to advice from QPH).

The latest Directive from the Chief Health Officer (effective 10 July) provides some further clarification for Universities in Queensland. It states that physical distancing should be observed to the extent possible.

There are restrictions on events, see FAQ on events.

Are food courts still closed?

Food courts (Phizz and UQ Union Complex) are open for takeaway food and drink only. There is no ability to sit inside these areas.

Can I order catering for meetings?

Buffet self-service is still not permitted. If you order catering the caterer must serve people or provide individually wrapped plates.

Changes to IT support arrangements

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, UQ IT support staff will primarily be providing remote support. Support will be provided to the best level possible under these circumstances.

Before you return to campus

Before you return to campus, make sure you have returned all the UQ IT equipment you took home and have everything you need to reassemble your workspace.

If you removed a monitor from a monitor arm, it will be easier to use the same stand you had at home rather than trying to get someone to re-attach it to the arm.

It is recommended you perform the following tasks to help prevent potential issues when on-campus:

• Update Zoom to the latest version

• Any changes you’ve made to network or computer settings should be reverted back to UQ defaults.

• Connect to the VPN for at least an hour to allow any background setting changes to apply to your computer.

Working on-campus

ITS has been busy over the past few months upgrading a number of underlying systems, including printing, wifi networks and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We’ve listed some information and links to guides to help with common topics:

Printing
ITS has moved the management of all UQ printers to a new data centre. This will improve the performance and security of the printing service.

• Please check your default printer as you may need to reset your default printer choice. Please call the ITS Service Desk on (07) 3365 6000 if you have any trouble printing.

• Visit Connecting to a printer in your office for more information about connecting to printers.

Wifi

See the below guides if you need any assistance connecting to wifi when you return to campus:

• Connecting to wifi

• Troubleshooting wifi

Telephones

See the below guides if you need any assistance with:

• Call forwarding

• Voicemail

You can also call the Voice Operations Telephone Helpline on (07) 3365 1000 for any telephone-related queries.

Other useful links

• Reset your UQ password

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) FAQs

• Self-installing software on UQ computers

Staff/students with respiratory illness (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, fatigue) must not come to campus, and must arrange to have a COVID-19 test as per QLD Government advice. You will need to remain isolated until your results come through, as per current public health recommendations. You must not return to campus until completely asymptomatic and have returned a negative test result. 

No - If you return a negative COVID-19 test result, a medical clearance is not required to return to campus but you should retain a copy of your negative test result for record keeping purposes. You must however, remain isolated until your results come through, as per current public health recommendations, and not return to campus until completely asymptomatic. You must not come to campus if you are still unwell with respiratory symptoms even if your test is negative.

Yes - If a positive test result is confirmed, you will need to obtain a medical clearance to return to work or study. Positive cases can return to campus when you have fully recovered and have met the criteria for clearance from isolation. If you have been hospitalised for the infection,  you will have documentation from the hospital about the period of hospitalisation and likely period of incapacitation following discharge from hospital. Clearance to return to campus may also be given by the public health authority or the treating clinician. A declaration from you stating you have fulfilled the quarantine requirements as specified by the Public Health authority may also be needed.

If you have completed a 14-day quarantine period (after returning from travel or being in close contact with a confirmed case) and did not develop any symptoms during quarantine, you do not need a medical clearance or a COVID-19 test in order to return to campus.

Starting Tuesday 4 August, UQ Health Care will be conducting a COVID-19 testing on Level 1, Gordon Greenwood Building (Blg 32) Union Rd, St Lucia Campus by appointment only

This service will be available from 9am – 12noon, Monday to Friday, for those in the UQ Community who:

• require COVID 19 testing due to symptoms.
• have been advised by public health to be tested e.g. potential cases due to contacts/movements in high risk locations in the community or hot spots.

Call 07 3365 6210 to make an appointment.  

Some of the things you should consider include:

• Cancelling or postponing non-essential visits.
• Minimise the number of workers attending to deliveries and contactors as much as possible.
• Clear instructions are to be given about UQ requirements while they are on site.
• Minimise physical interaction where possible by using contactless methods, mobile phones.
• Ensure compliance with 1.5 m physical distancing requirements. This may require staff to work in another location while contractor works are being conducted.

UQ public drinking water supplies are safe to drink, however the surfaces around the fountain including the spout and button/lever could pose a transmission risk for COVID-19 and other germs. At this stage, it is not certain how long viruses that cause COVID-19 survives on surfaces.  

It is recommended that you not place your mouth on the spout of a water fountain. Test the water flow and let the water run for a few seconds before drinking without putting your mouth or lips on the spout. When filling up your water bottle at the drink fountain, ensure the spout of your drink bottle does not contact the fountain head or bubbler. 

If the fountain requires you to push a button or lever, clean the surface first or use your knuckle or elbow.  If you do use your fingers/thumb, avoid touching your face until you clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.   

No. You must not attend campus or visit any UQ facility while waiting for COVID-19 test results.  You are  required to self-isolate at home while you wait for test results which may take from one to several days. The people you live with and other close contacts do not need to self-isolate unless advised otherwise from the Public Health unit.

If the result is positive, you will receive a call from a public health doctor or nurse who will tell you what to do next.  You will need to stay at home in self-isolation until you recover. You will be monitored by Queensland Public Health.

If the result is negative, your doctor or the clinic that tested you will let you know.  You may return to work unless you are unwell for other reasons.