Dear all,
As you may be aware, there is an outbreak of novel coronavirus, centring around the Hubei province in China. The Department of Health has asked that all educational institutions make available the attached information sheets to their staff and students.
As this is a highly communicable virus, we also write to update you about the novel coronavirus, in terms of the Australian Shiatsu College’s procedures, including:
- advice if you are returning from Hubei
- if you have been in contact with someone who has the virus
- if you are considering travel to China
Please be aware there is no immediate threat to the College or our community. We are taking a pragmatic approach and will advise if the situation changes. We are committed to ensuring that Semester 1 commences without disruption.
To that end, there are some precautions each of us can take, to maintain health and wellbeing, of ourselves and for our wider community.
If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms you should seek medical attention. If you are concerned about medical symptoms, please call the national helpline on 1800 004 599, visit the Department of Health’s specialist coronavirus website or the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services’ website.
If you have been in Hubei province or if you have been in contact with someone who has a confirmed case of the virus within the last 14 days, DHHS Victoria has directed that you must self-isolate for 14 days following exposure. Do not attend the College.
If you are considering travel to China please note that based on DFAT advice to “reconsider your need to travel to China”.
The most useful thing we can all do to help prevent the spread of disease is to follow basic health precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, carry hand sanitiser with you and use it often;
- Keep a distance from sick people, especially if they have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing;
- Monitor your health closely;
- See a health care professional immediately if you are starting to feel unwell and share your full travel history with your health care provider immediately when booking your appointment; and
- Practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, wash hands).
If you have any questions regarding the above, and how it relates to the Australian Shiatsu College, or your studies, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Further information is contained in this communique from the Department of Health.
Kind regards
Jason & Lawrence
EDIT: Read our Coronovirus update in March