A Checklist of Potential Coronavirus Risk Mitigation Actions for University Colleges
Background
University Colleges are warm and caring homes for many young people studying at Universities across Australia.
Each of us is aware of the great benefits that are the result of collegiate life. We are also aware of the challenges faced by Colleges as they work to maintain a safe environment for students and staff.
In his media statement and update on Coronavirus measures dated 18 March 2020, the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, stated that “group (university) student accommodation “presents a higher risk” that warrants consideration of “closing or reducing accommodation densities” if risk mitigation is not possible”.
We know that you are aware of the importance of risk mitigation and that you have been working on a number of strategies to ensure the safety of students and staff. To assist that endeavour, the UCA Executive has prepared the following list of risk mitigation measures that can potentially be engaged by university colleges. This list has been compiled based on discussions with colleges around Australia. See the Checklist below. It is also available at the UCA website at https://universitycollegesaustralia.edu.au/ and as a PDF here.
A Checklist of Potential Coronavirus Risk Mitigation Actions for University Colleges
General Protections
Require all incoming students, staff and visitors to disclose their contact details and infection exposure history.
Require any staff member or student to report immediately if any cold or flu symptoms become apparent and to contact health care professional.
Create clean and clear pathways through college facilities to minimise handing of physical access controls
Increased provision of handwashing/ handcleansing facilities at college, building and dining room entry points.
Provision of uncontaminated hand drying facilities where necessary.
Secure disposal of potentially contaminated waste.
Use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) by those preparing food and cleaning.
Strengthening of food, PPE and cleaning supply chains
Personal Protection
Clear instruction of all students and staff on infection hazards and preventative behaviour.
Protection and monitoring of all staff and students, especially those who are older.
Frequent cleaning of student room door handles
Individual monitoring of students by Resident Advisors.
Communication
Regular and concise communication with staff, students and their families.
Clear communication with the host university on college procedures and infection status.
Accommodation
Confirm that there is no cross-connection of ventilation of individual bedrooms.
Increased cleaning frequency of shared bathrooms.
Immediate isolation of any students deemed to be at risk.
External professional medical assessment of students deemed to be at risk.
Frequent monitoring of isolated students for deterioration in condition and proactive escalation response to medical professionals.
Use of ensuite rooms for students isolated due to Coronavirus risk.
Provision of meals, laundry, academic and pastoral support for those in isolation.
Use of ensuite rooms in an isolated building or wing for those diagnosed with COVID19
Provision of external emergency accommodation where a College is near capacity
Academic, Cultural, Religious, Social and Sporting Activities
Cancelling of activities involving large-scale assemblies in line with published government restrictions.
Continued pastoral support and smaller-scale gatherings with appropriate physical distancing
Use of on-line and reduced density tutorial support.
Provision of administrative support of affected students to course authorities.
Dining
Dedicated use of dining facilities to avoid cross-contamination
Staggered service of meals to decrease potential interpersonal contact.
Service of food by catering professionals, eliminating the need for self service.
Reduced dining densities and dining room capacities
Reduced dining table densities.
Eliminating the sharing of dining room equipment and utensils where possible.
Regular cleaning of dining room equipment and utensils where elimination of use is not possible.
Immediate clean up of food and utensils.
Discouragement of the use of mobile devices and other publicly used equipment during dining.
UCA wishes you and your community well as you make and implement the decisions that are designed to safeguard your community and its members. Feel free to contact the Association should you have questions, wish to share your experiences , or have news that should be shared with colleagues.
Barbara
Barbara Green
President, University Colleges Australia
Tel: 0403 261 025
