COVID-19 (coronavirus) advice for the UQ community - STAFF - Support

If you are a UQ staff member and are impacted by any of the restrictions please advise your supervisor, who will in turn will work with you to provide the necessary support.

You should have a conversation with your supervisor so they are aware of your personal circumstances during this time. If you're struggling with anxiety or worry about COVID-19, check the Head to Health's COVID‑19 support page which outlines some steps you can take.

If you are a staff member who requires support, UQ offers a free, confidential counselling service through Benestar, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

Our teams are well-placed to provide support and advice, and put in place all necessary arrangements.

You should try to have regular conversations with your supervisor about any COVID-19 related questions you may have.

For general COVID-19 staff related questions, you can call HR on +61 (07) 3365 2623 or email askhr@uq.edu.au.

If a member of staff has been diagnosed, or contacted by Queensland Health and asked to self-isolate, email askhr@uq.edu.au or call HR on +61 (07) 3365 2623.

For students, please contact Student Services +61 (07) 3365 1704 or toll free within Australia: 1800 512 391.

The eLearning team, library, and ITaLI are currently offering training sessions and professional development online via Zoom.

•  Library training page lists sessions on software, research skills, and publishing and research management.
• eLearning online workshops includes sessions on: virtual classroom(Zoom), Desktop recording, video assignments, Learn.UQ quizzes, test and exams
• ITaLI’s teaching and learning series is now being offered online.

Please check the COVID-19 (coronvirus) library services and ITaLI teaching and learning support pages to get current information about available services.

Be mindful that various conditions can produce cold or flu-like symptoms. People can have normal cold and flu viruses at any time, and we are moving closer to the Australian flu season so these may increase.

It is reasonable to check on the welfare of a student and ensure that they are aware of the latest health advice. 

If a student presents as unwell and has cold and flu-like symptoms, their supervisor should ask them to contact UQ Health Care or their preferred medical practitioner, making sure to call ahead to explain their symptoms prior to attending in person.

Importantly, if anyone feels unwell and has the onset of any cold or flu-like symptoms, they should stay at home and not attend campus. This is important to facilitate a quick recovery for them, and it is also important for their colleagues and friends whose health should be protected. 

Be mindful that various conditions can produce cold or flu-like symptoms. People can have normal cold and flu viruses at any time, and we are moving closer to the Australian flu season so these may increase.

It is reasonable to check on the welfare of a  colleague and ensure that they are aware of the latest health advice. If a colleague presents as unwell at work and has cold and flu-like symptoms, their supervisor should ask them to contact their medical practitioner (or UQ Health Care) for advice on an appropriate course of action, prior to physically attending.

Importantly, if anyone feels unwell and has the onset of any cold or flu-like symptoms, they should stay at home and not attend campus. This is important to facilitate a quick recovery for them, and it is also important for their colleagues and friends whose health should be protected. 

Staff should use UQ’s sick leave provisions.

There are a lot of people feeling anxious about COVID-19 and what catching the virus might mean for their specific circumstances - and that is absolutely understandable. There is a risk associated with being in any public space right now - whether that is at work, on public transport, at the shops, or at uni. Practicing health hygiene habits is the best way to mitigate these risks. See our health section here for more. If you're struggling with anxiety or worry about COVID-19, check the Head to Health's COVID‑19 support page which outlines some steps you can take.
 

At this stage, The University of Queensland is not considered an eligible employer under the requirements of the new JobKeeper Payment subsidy . This means, UQ staff will not be eligible for the payment.

With reduced numbers of staff on campus due to COVID-19 restrictions, it's important for supervisors to remember that their responsibility to provide sufficient training, instruction and supervision to ensure the safety of workers remains unchanged. Supervisors must ensure that an appropriate level of supervision is provided to workers based on their level of competency.  You must ensure that anyone under your supervision, including HDR or Masters students:

• adhere to the physical distancing requirements and where strict compliance with physical distancing requirements cannot be met, risk management plans are conducted
• is aware of the COVID-19 Management Plans
• is using PPE appropriate to the task at all times
• is encouraged to use impeccable personal hygiene practices including frequent handwashing
• cleans down shared desks and bench spaces, and shared training equipment between users and after use
• reports any workplace injuries and illness in UQSafe.

The supervisor must also implement an agreed communication process to ensure the worker is contactable.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many challenges for families. These Parenting in a Pandemic resources are designed to help families deal with the unique challenges and emotional consequences of parenting in stressful times. There are downloadable guides and tips for parents of pre-teens, teenagers, and children with developmental disabilities, and links to a podcast series and TV series. These resources are designed to help parents to support their children through the changes to daily life that they are facing, and also to help parents to look after themselves and manage stress, anxiety and relationship tensions during this difficult time. Find more info here.