News archive

Most recent news updates

5 October 2022

Last week major changes were announced to the national COVID-19 isolation requirements.

National Cabinet, which comprises the Prime Minister and the State and Territory leaders, decided that rules forcing people to isolate for five days if they test positive to COVID-19 will end from October 14.

Although the isolation requirements will be eased, it still remains important for staff and students to continue to do the right thing to help us keep our campuses safe and open. Guided by the University’s Vaccination Plus: Seven Points of Defence approach, we continue to encourage everyone to take appropriate and sensible steps to ensure their health and safety, along with others around them.

For the safety of all, the University strongly recommends that you continue take the following steps:

Get vaccinated including all available boosters;
Stay home if you are feeling unwell with COVID-19 like symptoms and get tested; and
Continue to follow local health advice and COVID-19 protocols, especially those in hospital and aged care settings.

We would like to once again thank you for playing your part to minimise the spread of COVID-19 across the University and our communities. It has been a remarkable effort to keep each other safe and well.

Jane Street

Pro Vice Chancellor, People and Culture

2022

January
27 January 2022
Living with COVID-19 Management Plan
As we continue to navigate the evolving nature of the pandemic, the University is committed to reducing the risk of staff, students and visitors contracting COVID-19 while on our campuses.
Our objective is to provide campuses that are open and safe with face-to-face teaching as the preferred delivery mode for our students.
With this in mind, we are releasing a detailed COVID Management Plan and two factsheets (COVID Management Facts and Vaccination Plus Approach) that inform our national response to the next phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Plan is focused on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all within the University and outlines a range of forward-looking strategies designed to maintain an open, safe, productive University.
We ask that you please take the time to familiarise yourself with the Plan’s content as it is crucial to the way our university will continue to effectively function over the coming period.
16 January 2022
Returning to campus mask requirement
The growing Omicron outbreak has prompted both the NSW and WA State Governments to announce changes to their health advice. Masks will continue to be required in all public indoor settings – including while on campus – during these timeframes, or until otherwise advised by the NSW and WA State Government.
NSW
- Until Thursday 27 January 2022
- QR code check-ins have now been reinstated and are compulsory
WA
- From 6pm, Sunday 16 January 2022
If you need to be on campus, we ask that you please continue to observe the health advice and act in accordance with it to ensure your safety and that of others.
February
28 February 2022
COVID-19 response on campus - Students
Over recent days the New South Wales and Western Australian Governments have announced important changes to their respective COVID-19 Public Health Order and Directions, and in the case of WA, the relaxation of the hard border for all travelers.
Our priority remains the health and safety of our staff, students and visitors, while also putting in place proportionate measures that will continue to keep our campuses open to allow the delivery of face-to-face teaching, learning and campus life activity.
We have taken into account that the COVID-19 situation is quite different on each side of the country. The NSW Government is easing a range of restrictions as the number of daily infections continue to fall. Whereas in Western Australia, the Government has announced the border will re-open on 3 March with additional restrictions being implemented as community transmission rises.
We need to be increasingly vigilant in dealing with the virus. Guided by our “Living with COVID-19 Management Plan”, our approach and measures will continue to be proportionate, clear and relevant to the different circumstances across our national campuses and sites.
We continue to take a risk-based approach informed by health advice and government directions.
We respect individual choice, but we strongly encourage you to get fully vaccinated. State and Commonwealth health advice, along with the science, is clear: being vaccinated is for the common good as it protects you and others around you, particularly the most vulnerable.
From 28 February 2022 the following measures are being introduced across our campuses.
These measures are in addition to our COVID–19 Vaccination Plus: Nine Points of Defence approach, such as wearing a mask, physically distancing, and checking-in via QR codes.
If your normal place of study is on our Broadway Campus in NSW, the following COVID-19 measures will apply:
- The campus is open and safe. The expectation is for all students to return to campus, unless a temporary adjustment is made to study from home. This is something you need to discuss with your unit coordinator.
- If you are fully vaccinated, you can attend the Broadway campus, however you are required to upload your vaccination certificate in the Student Centre online portal. Once your vaccination certificate has been sighted and approved, the certificate will be deleted. If you have already done this, you do not need to do it again.
- If you are unvaccinated, for whatever reason, or do not wish to upload your vaccination certificate, you will be required to provide a daily negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) as a condition of entry. The cost of the RAT is at your own expense. The negative RAT is to be brought to the site in a sealed plastic bag to be sighted by your unit coordinator or delegate and discarded safely each day.
If your normal place of study is on our health campuses in NSW or Victoria, the following COVID-19 measures will apply:
- The campus is open and safe. The expectation is for all students to return to campus, unless a temporary adjustment is made to study from home. This is something you need to discuss with your unit coordinator.
- You need to be fully vaccinated as a condition of entry to campus. This requirement has been in place at our NSW campuses since 10 January 2022. You are required to upload your vaccination certificate in the Student Centre online portal. Once your vaccination certificate has been sighted and approved, the certificate will be deleted. If you have already done this, you do not need to do it again.
- Due to the interaction with the local health system, unvaccinated students or those that do not wish to upload their vaccination certificate will not be allowed on campus. Impacted students should contact their unit coordinator to discuss their specific circumstances and possible alternative learning arrangements.
- Those who submit a valid and approved medical exemption may be considered for entry following a risk assessment and approval by at the sole discretion of the Executive Dean, Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health or delegate. If approved, you will be required to present a negative RAT each day. For the avoidance of doubt, an exemption as a result of a previous Covid-19 infection would not be treated as an approved medical exemption due to the higher risk assessment of exposure on these campuses.
If your normal place of study is on our Fremantle and Broome campuses, the following COVID-19 measures will apply:
- The campuses are open and safe. The expectation is for all students to return to campus, unless a temporary adjustment is made to study from home. This is something you need to discuss with your unit coordinator.
- You need to be fully vaccinated as a condition of entry to campus. This requirement has been in place at our NSW campuses since 10 January 2022 and will now be applied in Western Australia. You are required to upload your vaccination certificate in the Student Centre online portal. Once your vaccination certificate has been sighted and approved, the certificate will be deleted. If you have already done this, you do not need to do it again.
- It is envisaged that when it is deemed appropriate to do so based on health advice, government directions and a risk assessment, unvaccinated students or those that do not wish to upload their vaccination certificate will be able to access WA campuses, with a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) daily. This will bring WA in line with the approach adopted on the Broadway Campus, Sydney.
The above measures across our campuses are subject to change. Additional COVID-19 information, including exposure sites on campus, can be accessed under Exposure Sites which is updated regularly.
If you have returned a COVID-positive test result after being on campus within the last 48 hours, please phone the numbers below depending on your location.
Phone: WA 0460 034 857 or NSW 0460 033 523 OR email: coronavirusadvice@nd.edu.au.
If you have returned a COVID-positive test result and you have not been on Campus while infectious, please contact your unit coordinator and follow normal illness reporting procedure.
28 February 2022
COVID-19 response on campus - Staff
Over recent days the New South Wales and Western Australian Governments have announced important changes to their respective COVID-19 Public Health Order and Directions, and in the case of WA, the relaxation of the hard border for all travelers.
Our priority remains the health and safety of our staff, students and visitors, while also putting in place proportionate measures that will continue to keep our campuses open to allow the delivery of face-to-face teaching, learning and campus life activity.
We have taken into account that the COVID-19 situation is quite different on each side of the country. The NSW Government is easing a range of restrictions as the number of daily infections continue to fall. Whereas in Western Australia, the Government has announced the border will re-open on 3 March with additional restrictions being implemented as community transmission rises.
We need to be increasingly vigilant in dealing with the virus. Guided by our “Living with COVID-19 Management Plan”, our approach and measures will continue to be proportionate, clear and relevant to the different circumstances across our national campuses and sites.
We continue to take a risk-based approach informed by health advice and government directions.
We respect individual choice, but we strongly encourage you to get fully vaccinated. State and Commonwealth health advice, along with the science, is clear: being vaccinated is for the common good as it protects you and others around you, particularly the most vulnerable.
From 28 February 2022 the following measures are being introduced across our campuses.
These measures are in addition to our COVID–19 Vaccination Plus: Nine Points of Defence approach, such as wearing a mask, physically distancing, and checking-in via QR codes.
If your normal place of work is on our Broadway Campus in NSW, the following COVID-19 measures will apply:
- The campus is open and safe. The expectation is for all staff to return to campus, unless a temporary adjustment is made to work from home or a flexible work arrangement is agreed. This is something you need to discuss with your line manager.
- If you are fully vaccinated or medically exempted, you can attend the Broadway campus, however you are required to upload your vaccination certificate in the Peoplesoft Employee Self Service portal. Once your vaccination certificate has been sighted and approved, the certificate will be deleted.
- If you are unvaccinated, for whatever reason, or do not wish to upload your vaccination certificate, you will be required to provide a daily negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) as a condition of entry. The cost of the RAT is at your own expense. The negative RAT is to be brought to the site in a sealed plastic bag to be sighted by your line manager or delegate and discarded safely each day.
If your normal place of work is on our health campuses in NSW or Victoria, the following COVID-19 measures will apply:
- The campus is open and safe. The expectation is for all staff to return to campus, unless a temporary adjustment is made to work from home or a flexible work arrangement is agreed. This is something you need to discuss with your line manager.
- You need to be fully vaccinated as a condition of entry to campus. This requirement has been in place at our NSW campuses since 10 January 2022. You are required to upload your vaccination certificate in the Peoplesoft Employee Self Service Portal. Once your vaccination certificate has been sighted and approved, the certificate will be deleted.
- Due to the interaction with the local health system, unvaccinated staff or those that do not wish to upload their vaccination certificate will not be allowed on campus. Impacted staff should contact their line manager to discuss their specific circumstances and possible alternative working arrangements.
- Those who submit a valid and approved medical exemption may be considered for entry following a risk assessment and approval by the Executive Dean, Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health or delegate. If approved, the staff member would be required to present a negative RAT each day. For the avoidance of doubt, an exemption as a result of a previous Covid-19 infection would not be treated as an approved medical exemption due to the higher risk assessment of exposure on these campuses.
If your normal place of work is on our Fremantle and Broome campuses, the following COVID-19 measures will apply:
- The campuses are open and safe. The expectation is for all staff to return to campus, unless a temporary adjustment is made to work from home or a flexible work arrangement is agreed. This is something you need to discuss with your line manager.
- You need to be fully vaccinated or medically exempted as a condition of entry to campus. This requirement has been in place at our NSW campuses since 10 January 2022 and will now be applied in Western Australia. You are required to upload your vaccination certificate in the Peoplesoft Employee Self Service Portal. Once your vaccination certificate has been sighted and approved, the certificate will be deleted.
- It is envisaged that when it is deemed appropriate to do so based on health advice, government directions and a risk assessment, unvaccinated staff or those that do not wish to upload their vaccination certificate will be able to access WA campuses, with a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) daily. This will bring WA in line with the approach adopted on the Broadway Campus, Sydney.
The above measures across our campuses are subject to change. Additional COVID-19 information, including exposure sites on campus, can be accessed under Exposure Sites which is updated regularly.
If you have returned a COVID-positive test result after being on campus within the last 48 hours, please phone the numbers below depending on your location.
Phone: WA 0460 034 857 or NSW 0460 033 523 or email: coronavirusadvice@nd.edu.au.
If you have returned a COVID-positive test result and you have not been on Campus while infectious, please contact your line manager and follow normal illness reporting procedure.
23 February 2022
Fremantle Campus Update
The University has been advised overnight of additional COVID-19 positive cases at our Fremantle campus.
The University is carefully managing the situation by following its “Living with COVID-19 Management Plan".
Exposure Sites:
- Tuesday 22/02/22 – ND21/101 (9.30am - 10.30am)
- Tuesday 22/02/22 – ND4/301 (10.30am – 11.30am)
- Monday 21/02/22 – Administration; St Teresa’s Library; ND11; ND50; Law Library (12.50pm – 1.30pm)
18 February 2022
Fremantle Campus Update
The University has been advised that two of our Fremantle students has tested positive for COVID-19.
The University is carefully managing the situation by following its “Living with COVID-19 Management Plan".
Exposure Sites:
- Monday 14/02/22 - Building ND4/101 (8.30am – 12.30pm)
- Tuesday 15/02/22 - Orientation Day activities
- Tuesday 15/02/22 – ND46/209 (12.30pm – 2.00pm)
- Tuesday 15/02/22 – Drill Hall (2.15pm – 2.30pm)
We have deep cleaned the venues identified, and WA Health has confirmed it has contacted all close contacts. If you have not been contacted you should not worry.
We do however encourage you to monitor for symptoms, get tested immediately and isolate if you feel unwell.
WA Health has advised the venues involved can remain open.
This case highlights the importance of following health advice and checking-in using QR codes.
Thank you for your ongoing support and assistance as we work together to continue to provide an open and safe Campus for our students, staff and Notre Dame Community.
17 February 2022
Positive COVID-19 case on Fremantle Campus
The University has been advised overnight that one of our Fremantle students has tested positive for COVID-19.
We are grateful to the student for notifying the University, which was in accordance with previous advice given to students, and we continue to provide pastoral care and support to the student.
The University is carefully managing the situation by following its “Living with COVID-19 Management Plan".
The student attended several Orientation Week events, including the O-Day Festival on Tuesday.
Exposure sites:
- Saturday 12/02/22 – Building ND11 (2.5hrs)
- Tuesday 15/02/22 – Attended Orientation Day activities. (9.30am until 12.30pm AWST)
We have deep cleaned the venues identified, and WA Health has confirmed it has contacted all close contacts.
If you have not been contacted you should not worry.
We do however encourage you to monitor for symptoms, get tested immediately and isolate if you feel unwell.
WA Health has advised the venues involved can remain open.
This case highlights the importance of following health advice and checking-in using QR codes.
As we receive additional COVID information which is relevant to our campus, the University will be using its Coronavirus webpage to share this with you.
Thank you for your ongoing support and assistance as we work together to continue to provide an open and safe Campus for our students, staff and Notre Dame Community.
Kind regards,
Jane Street MAHRI
Pro Vice Chancellor, People and Culture
The University of Notre Dame Australia
8 February 2022
Message from the Vice Chancellor
Dear colleagues,
Over the summer, I hope you had a good break and rest and got the opportunity to catch up with family and friends. As we start the new academic year, I just wanted to say welcome back and thank you. I look forward to seeing you in person in the coming weeks and months.
Borders are now opening or easing after nearly two years. I managed to make my way home for Christmas and New Year and even got snowed in twice, once at home and on the other occasion at Notre Dame in the United States.
Colleagues, we start 2022 optimistic about our future, but we are also conscious that we live in very uncertain times with the ongoing global pandemic. We are therefore entering this year prepared for whatever comes our way.
As we know, the past two years have been particularly trying for our University community, especially as we have worked to establish a new model and embed a more national structure. Each of you has shown remarkable resilience and made a fantastic contribution to offering a first-class education and formation to our students. Thank you.
In 2022 we will launch our new strategic plan to take us on the next stage of the journey. That will further focus us on our distinctiveness, build on our existing strengths and deepen our engagement in areas such as research and international.
When I was at Notre Dame University recently, I heard from Fr. Monk Malloy wonderful stories about the early days of our University and how it was started and how it grew. There is so much goodwill between UNDA and Notre Dame, and in the coming months and years, we will deepen ties between both institutions.
Some of our students have already started their studies for 2022. Thank you for providing them with an enjoyable and stimulating start to their studies. Next week we will welcome the majority of our new students to the University. While it will be a time of great excitement for them, it might also be one of trepidation as they take on new opportunities and challenges.
From February 14, we will hold our annual orientation week activities in Fremantle, Sydney and Broome, where commencing students will be able to connect, celebrate, have fun and prepare for the year ahead.
Colleagues across many areas of the University have put in a tremendous amount of work, and I want to thank them all for what they have put together. It is a wonderful programme of events. Our teams have worked to make these events COVID-safe gatherings and have continued to embrace digital technologies to connect with those that cannot attend in person.
Whether in person or online, at orientation, our students will get a taste of university life, and importantly, be provided with the information and guidance they need to make a successful and enjoyable start to their studies with us.
You can learn more about our orientation activities here.
Our ability to host orientation events in Sydney is more complicated this year; however, we will ensure all our students are connected and engaged.
Thank you for your patience as we prepare to manage COVID-19 in the best possible way. The virus is unpredictable, and we will continue to monitor the health advice and take all reasonable and practicable steps to adapt and ensure a safe environment. We must continue to play our part to minimise the risk of transmission. Over the past two years, we have adapted to changing circumstances at very short notice, and I’m sure we will do so again as advice from the respective health and government authorities changes. Thank you for your continued patience and co-operation.
We have been working closely with governments and health authorities to understand the latest COVID arrangements for staff and students at the University. This includes checking in at venues, practising good personal hygiene and wearing masks in indoor settings.
The information found here highlights the measures we have put in place to ensure a safe environment.
As we start into the new academic year, welcome back, and thank you to each of you for continuing to reflect the Notre Dame spirit in all that you do. Your kindness, compassion and caring continue to define us as a community.
Wishing you all the best for the year ahead and sincere appreciation for all that you do and bring to our community,
With best wishes,
Professor Francis Campbell
Vice Chancellor
The University of Notre Dame Australia
May

18 May 2022
Vaccination status and accessing Campus - Staff
From 30 May 2022, important changes to how we manage COVID on campus will come into effect.
As a national university, our approach to managing COVID on all our campuses has been informed and guided by the Public Health Orders in each state. With the most recent changes to the health advice across the jurisdictions in which we operate, we are in the position to be able to better harmonise our approach – in particular, the conditions of entry to attend our campuses and vaccination requirements.
Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with these changes as they may affect your ability to access campus.
Campus access for non-fully vaccinated staff
From 30 May 2022, we will be aligning our approach across the country for those who are not “fully vaccinated" (two-doses).
In line with public health advice, we strongly encourage all staff to receive their COVID booster vaccination(s).
Non-fully vaccinated staff will now be able to access the Fremantle and Broome Campuses subject to contacting your line manager, undertaking a risk assessment, and agreeing to certain conditions including performing regular rapid antigen tests (RATs). Evidence of a COVID-negative RAT result is required before attendance to campus. This is consistent with our approach in Sydney.
Affected staff in WA and NSW will be required to provide weekly evidence of a negative RAT test on the first day of attendance and 48 hours later. Please note that this option is not available for our health campuses due to their interaction with local area health services.
Evidence of a negative RAT result will need to be provided to your line manager in the form of a photograph that clearly shows the test result, along with the test’s registration number.
If you are not fully vaccinated and contract COVID-19, you will not be subject to these requirements for a period of 12 weeks from the date of being deemed by a medical practitioner to have recovered from the infection. A letter from your GP confirming your recovery status will need to be provided to your line manager.
We once again want to thank you for your ongoing efforts to keep yourself and others around you safe and well.
Vaccination status and accessing Campus - Students
From 30 May 2022, important changes to how we manage COVID-19 on campus will come into effect.
As a national university, our approach to managing COVID on all our campuses has been informed and guided by the Public Health Orders in each state. With the most recent changes to the health advice across the jurisdictions in which we operate, we are in the position to be able to better harmonise our approach – in particular, the conditions of entry to attend our campuses and vaccination requirements.
Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with these changes as they may affect your ability to access campus and classes.
Campus access for non-fully vaccinated students
From 30 May 2022, we will be aligning our approach across the country for those who are not “fully vaccinated" (two-doses).
In line with public health advice, we strongly encourage all students to receive their COVID booster vaccination(s).
Non-fully vaccinated students will now be able to access the Fremantle and Broome Campuses subject to contacting your School, undertaking a risk assessment, and agreeing to certain conditions, including performing regular rapid antigen tests (RATs). Evidence of a COVID-negative RAT result is required before attendance to campus. This is consistent with our approach in Sydney.
Affected students in WA and NSW will be required to provide weekly evidence of a negative RAT test on the first day of attendance and 48 hours later. Please note that this option is not available for our health campuses due to their interaction with local area health services. The mandatory vaccination requirements set by either NSW, WA or Victoria Governments for students attending placement in Health or Education settings remains in place.
Evidence of a negative RAT result will need to be provided to your School in the form of a photograph that clearly shows the test result, along with the test’s registration number.
If you are not fully vaccinated and contract COVID-19, you will not be subject to these requirements for a period of 12 weeks from the date of being deemed by a medical practitioner to have recovered from the infection. A letter from your GP confirming your recovery status will need to be provided to your School.
A reminder that you should not attend Campus if you are feeling unwell and if you should you test positive, please notify the University as soon as possible.
We once again thank you for your ongoing efforts to keep yourself and others around you safe and well.
July
18 July 2022
Changes to the way we manage COVID-19 on campus
Dear colleagues,
We would like to once again thank you for playing your part to minimise the spread of COVID-19 across the University and our communities. It has been a remarkable effort to keep each other safe and well.
Although health restrictions have eased across the country, and we are learning to live with COVID, we must continue to be vigilant and take appropriate steps to minimise the spread of the virus.
COVID has not been eradicated and it continues to spread across our communities.
Starting next week (Monday, 18 July 2022) the University will be easing some of the COVID restrictions that we have put in place to ensure our campuses remain safe and open.
From Monday, the University will no longer enforce double vaccination requirements as a ‘condition of entry’ on any of our campuses. This means that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals will be able to access all campuses.
It is important to acknowledge that COVID-19 cases are currently increasing nationally as the BA.5 Omicron subvariant becomes the dominant strain in Australia and as such, it is important that we continue to take preventative measures to help stop the spread of the virus.
For this reason, common-sense COVID-19 prevention measures will remain in place as set out in our ‘Seven Points of Defence’ approach.
For the safety of all, the University strongly recommends that you take the following steps:
- Get vaccinated including all available boosters and Influenza (flu) vaccine
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell with COVID like symptoms – Isolate & Inform – get tested, noting that a PCR test is more reliable, RAT tests have been found to be less effective detecting the new BA.5 variant. We strongly encourage the wearing of a mask when in an enclosed or densely populated space or where you can't socially distance
- Comply with the isolation requirements if you test positive to COVID –19 The nature of the pandemic remains unpredictable, so we will continue to respond and adapt our approach based on any changing health advice.

2021

January
18 January 2021
From this week, the University of Notre Dame Australia is switching from an internal QR code check-in system to the relevant State Government contact register systems for COVID-safe entry into our campus buildings.
In order to be able to check in to campus buildings using the Government-provided QR codes, which will be displayed at entry points, staff and students will first need to download the contact register apps and set up an account. There is more information about how to do this at the websites below:
- SafeWA or
- Service NSW
Once you have downloaded the apps, all you need to do is open the app and use it to scan the QR code at entry points to check in. You can also use the camera on your smartphone to scan the QR code which, in most cases, should automatically redirect you to the check-in page.
Please note, the School of Medicine is managing this change for the clinical school sites in Victoria and will be communicating directly with students and staff.
4 January 2021
In Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) face masks are mandatory in the following indoor settings:
- shopping (retail, supermarkets and shopping centres)
- on public/shared transport and waiting areas for public/shared transport
- indoor entertainment (including cinemas and theatres)
- places of worship
- hair and beauty premises
- visiting an aged care facility.
Face masks are also mandatory for all staff in hospitality venues, gaming areas in licensed premises (including casinos) and for patrons using gaming services.
Compliance will start from Monday 4 January 2021 with $200 on the spot fines for individuals for non-compliance.
Children under 12 are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
February
25 February 2021
Update on COVID-19 restrictions across Greater Sydney and NSW.
Restrictions will be eased from 12.01am Friday, 26 February 2021 across Greater Sydney and NSW:
50 visitors will now be allowed in the home
30 people allowed to dance at weddings, with rotation on and off the dance floor
Increased class limits for gyms to 50 people (currently 30) subject to the 4sqm rule
Number of performers singing indoors increased to 30 (currently 5) subject to physical distancing requirements
Singing by congregants allowed in places of worship if masks are worn and subject to one person per 4sqm (currently no congregant singing allowed, with one per 2sqm permitted in places of worship)
Increase capacity for cinemas to 100%
- Spectators and coaches are included in the 150 person cap for community sport.
- 20-person limit for private indoor and outdoor gatherings.
- Visits to aged care and disability care facilities restricted to compassionate grounds.
- Residential school and boarding facilities can resume with a COVID Safety Plan.
- Only essential travel permitted in and out of the Perth and Peel regions to other parts of WA.
- Under the post-lockdown transition measures, schools in Perth and Peel will start from Monday 8 February.
- Masks are required to be worn by all school staff and secondary students. They are not required for primary school students.
- Masks are also mandatory for staff at childcare facilities, as well as students and staff in higher education including TAFEs and universities.
- Teaching staff are permitted to remove their mask if teaching at the front of the classroom to enable clear enunciation.
- People who need to leave the Perth and Peel region for essential purposes must wear a mask at all times in other regions of WA, as per the rules in place for Perth and Peel.
- Elective surgery at WA public hospitals will resume once the lockdown has ended, and people will be contacted directly to reschedule and rebook their appointments.
- FIFO workers will once again be able to leave the Perth and Peel regions, but documentation will be required and they must follow strict health protocols.
- Pre-lockdown requirements for the entire state still remain in place, including:
- WA’s controlled interstate border arrangements
- Mandatory contact registers for most WA businesses and venues
- Capacity restrictions for major venues
- Restrictions on travel to remote Aboriginal communities.
12 February 2021
The Perth and Peel restrictions will end as planned at 12.01am, Sunday, 14 February, which means no masks will be required on campus and the whole of Western Australia will return to the pre-lockdown conditions, as experienced prior to 6pm on Sunday, 31 January. Read the full government announcement.
9 February 2021
Perth, Peel and South West regions are out of lockdown. Businesses can reopen and people can go back to work. Some restrictions are in place for Perth and Peel until 12.01am Sunday February 14.
- Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your place of residence. This includes at all workplaces, on public transport and while exercising, unless exercising vigorously outside.
- For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, you will be able to remove your mask, if necessary, to communicate. Writing notes, pointing or the speech to text app, where possible, are encouraged.
- Children 12 years of age or under and people with a physical or mental illness, condition or disability that makes a face covering unsuitable are exempt from wearing a face mask.
- People also don’t need to wear masks if:
  - exercising vigorously outside
  - it causes a risk to their health and safety
  - they are the sole occupant in a car
  - in an emergency.
- Masks will be provided to government front line workers and the Department of Communities will distribute masks to the community services sector.
- For more information, see the Healthy WA website (external website).
Private gatherings
- Indoor and outdoor private gatherings limited to 20 people.
4 square metre rule
- The 4 square metre rule applies at venues, up to a maximum of 150 patrons (excluding staff).
- This includes hospitality, entertainment, public and fitness venues.
150 person capacity
- A 150 person capacity limit applies at all events, including weddings and funerals, and community sport.
- Where events or community sport are held at hospitality, entertainment, public and fitness venues, the 4 square metre rule also applies.
- This cap applies regardless of venue size.
- Staff are not included in the 150 person cap for entertainment and hospitality venues.
- Spectators and coaches are included in the 150 person cap for community sport.
Contact registers
- Contact registers are mandatory at most businesses and venues.
- It is also mandatory for individuals register at these businesses and venues.
- Use the SafeWA app to check into buildings on Campus
You can go to work during the transition.
- Wear a mask at your workplace;
- Wear a mask on public transport;
- If you are unwell, stay home.
Find out more about the restrictions on the WA government COVID-19 Information Page.
WA remains in a State of Emergency, and various restrictions are enforceable by fines of up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for businesses. Police officers also have the power to issue $1000 on-the-spot fines.
Western Australians must continue to keep up physical distancing where possible and use good personal hygiene to better protect themselves and the general health of our community.
For more information, see Transition frequently asked questions.
5 February 2021
From 6pm, Friday 5 February the following restrictions came into effect:
Perth and Peel has entered into a post-lockdown transition period until 12.01am, Sunday 14 February. This allows the full 14-day incubation period to run its course.
The South West region has returned straight to pre-lockdown conditions.
The post-lockdown transition period for Perth and Peel includes:
- Wearing a mask when in public and while at work, unless exempt or for vigorous outdoor exercise.
- All businesses can reopen, except for the casino and nightclubs.
- 4 square metre capacity rule in place for businesses and venues, up to a maximum of 150.
- 150-person capacity at all events including weddings, funerals and community sport.
- Seated service only at hospitality venues.
- Dancing only permitted at weddings and dance studios.
- 20-person limit for private indoor and outdoor gatherings.
- Visits to aged care and disability care facilities restricted to compassionate grounds.
- Residential school and boarding facilities can resume with a COVID Safety Plan.
- Only essential travel permitted in and out of the Perth and Peel regions to other parts of WA.
- Under the post-lockdown transition measures, schools in Perth and Peel will start from Monday 8 February.
- Masks are required to be worn by all school staff and secondary students. They are not required for primary school students.
- Masks are also mandatory for staff at childcare facilities, as well as students and staff in higher education including TAFEs and universities.
- Teaching staff are permitted to remove their mask if teaching at the front of the classroom to enable clear enunciation.
- People who need to leave the Perth and Peel region for essential purposes must wear a mask at all times in other regions of WA, as per the rules in place for Perth and Peel.
- Elective surgery at WA public hospitals will resume once the lockdown has ended, and people will be contacted directly to reschedule and rebook their appointments.
- FIFO workers will once again be able to leave the Perth and Peel regions, but documentation will be required and they must follow strict health protocols.
- Pre-lockdown requirements for the entire state still remain in place, including:
- WA’s controlled interstate border arrangements
- Mandatory contact registers for most WA businesses and venues
- Capacity restrictions for major venues
- Restrictions on travel to remote Aboriginal communities.
1 February 2021
The Perth metropolitan area and the Peel and South West regions are now in a 5-day lockdown effective until 6pm Friday, 5 February 2021.
The following restrictions apply for the duration of the lockdown period, as per the WA Government website:
- People should not leave Perth, Peel or the South West during this period
- People can enter Perth, Peel or the South West only to access or deliver essential health and emergency services and other essential requirements
- Non-residents currently in Perth, Peel and the South West are required to remain until the end of the restriction period however if you must leave for serious reasons you are to then return home immediately, stay home and get tested if symptoms develop
- Restaurants and cafes to provide takeaway service only
- Elective surgery and procedures for categories 2 and 3 will be suspended from Tuesday, 2 February. Category 1 and urgent category 2 surgery will continue
- No visitors will be allowed in homes unless caring for a vulnerable person or in an emergency
- No visitors to hospitals or residential aged care and/or disability facilities
- No weddings permitted
- Funerals are limited to 10 people
- Travel remains prohibited within remote Aboriginal communities.
People will be required to stay at home unless they need to:
- work because they can’t work from home or remotely;
- shop for essentials like groceries, medicine and necessary supplies;
- medical or health care needs including compassionate requirements and looking after the vulnerable; and
- exercise within their neighbourhood, but only with one other person and only for one hour per day.
The lockdown has been introduced due to the detection of a positive COVID-19 case in a hotel quarantine worker.
A list of locations the confirmed case visited is available on the Department of Health’s website . People who were at these places on these dates must go and get tested. Additionally, anyone who lives or works in the Falkirk Avenue Maylands shopping centre precinct should present for a test.
WA COVID clinic operating hours will be extended as part of a testing surge. Testing locations are available on the Healthy WA website
March

30 March 2021
The Australian Government has commenced its Covid-19 Vaccination program offering free and voluntary vaccines. The national rollout identifies priority groups for vaccination, including critical and high-risk workers.
There are currently no laws or public health orders in Australia that specifically direct employers to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
While the COVID-19 vaccines may help protect people, at this stage it is too early to tell if the vaccines will stop a vaccinated person from being infected with the virus.
This means that a vaccinated person may unknowingly spread the virus to others around them. For this reason, the University will continue to apply all reasonably practicable control measures including physical distancing, good hygiene and regular cleaning and maintenance.
If you are interested in information on the Government vaccination program visit the Department of Health website https://www.health.gov.au/
April
30 April 2021
The Perth and Peel post-lockdown restrictions will be significantly eased from 12.01am Saturday, May 1.
The easing of restrictions will see Perth and Peel move closer to the return of pre-lockdown life, but a small number of transitional measures will remain in place until Saturday, May 8.
The Chief Health Officer has advised Perth and Peel will need to see through the full 14-day incubation period before pre-lockdown life can fully resume.
The following eased transitional restrictions will take effect from 12.01am Saturday May 1 until 12.01am Saturday May 8:
- Masks are not required outside except where physical distancing is not possible.
- Masks are mandatory for indoor public venues, including in the workplace and on public transport. Exemptions apply including for medical reasons and primary school aged children or younger. People should use common sense and take a mask with them whenever they leave home;
- Anyone who has been in the Perth or Peel regions since April 17 but has since travelled to another region must also wear a mask subject to the above conditions;
- 30-person limit in all homes for private gatherings;
- nightclubs can open subject to the four square metre rule, with masks mandatory;
- Indoor and outdoor community sport can resume with spectators;
- Indoor weddings and funerals permitted for up to 200 guests without an exemption;
- Outdoor gatherings can take place with up to 500 people without a COVID event plan;
- One household can visit a patient per day in a hospital, aged care or disability facility; and
- Major stadiums, including Optus Stadium, RAC Arena and HBF Park can operate at 75 per cent capacity.
The following pre-lockdown measures will resume from 12.01am Saturday, May 1:
- Seated hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés, food courts and bars that provide seated service only, can open at 75 per cent capacity or apply the 2sqm rule – whichever is greater;
- Gyms, fitness centres, dance studios, beauty salons, hairdressers can open with the two square metre rule in place;
- Public venues, including, community centres, libraries, museums, galleries, recreation centres, can open with the two square metre rule in place;
All businesses, workplaces and higher education can now reopen.
For more information, check the WA government website.
26 April 2021
The Perth and Peel lockdown will end as planned from 12.01am, Tuesday 27 April. However, a post-lockdown transition will be in place until 12.01am, Saturday 1 May. During this time, universities including Notre Dame will be open for online learning online. This means that classes will continue virtually, but students will not be able to come to campus. Staff who can work from home are asked to do so. For more information, visit the WA Government website.
Other interim measures will be in place, including the following:
- Continue wearing a mask in public, while at work and on public transport unless exemptions apply e.g. vigorous outdoor exercise
- 20-person limit for private indoor and outdoor gatherings
- 20-patron capacity limit and 4sqm rule for:
  - cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs for seated food and drink service only
  - beauty salons, hairdressers and barbers
  - public venues such as recreation centres, outdoor playgrounds, museums and swimming pools
  - places of worship
  - entertainment venues
- No visitors to aged and disability care facilities and hospitals, except for compassionate reasons and advocacy
- Weddings and funerals can proceed with up to 100 guests, but require an exemption and COVID Event Plan
- Professional and community sports, including training, permitted but without spectators
- Elective surgery can proceed for category 1 and urgent category 2 surgeries only
- Schools, childcare centres and TAFEs open - mask-wearing requirements apply for all school staff and secondary students, but not primary school students or staff when teaching
- Universities open for online learning only
- Fitness clubs, gyms, casinos and nightclubs remain closed
Regional travel restrictions will be removed, but restrictions on travel to remote Aboriginal communities remain in place.
Anyone in an unaffected region who has been in Perth or Peel since 17 April must comply with mask-wearing requirements.
23 April 2021
Perth metro area and Peel region will move to a 3-day lockdown from 12.01am, Saturday, 24 April, 2021, based on health advice. Masks are mandatory from 6pm, tonight 23 April, 2021 for Perth and Peel residents. There are also restrictions on travel throughout WA.
If you have visited certain venues in the Perth metro and Peel region, you are required to get COVID-19 tested and isolate until you return a negative test result. View the locations here.
May
27 May 2021
The Victorian government has announced a seven-day lockdown starting from midnight tonight in order to contain a growing COVID-19 outbreak. Students are staff based at our Victorian clinical schools should note that the lockdown applies to the whole state. A full list of the restrictions can be found on the government's website.
12 May 2021
Until 12.01am Monday 17 May 2021 rules around household visitors, face masks, singing and dancing will be tightened in Greater Sydney including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains.
Read about the rules.
In Perth and Peel, the following restrictions remain in place until 12.01am, Saturday 15 May.
- Masks only required in the following settings:
  - Public transport
  - Hospitals
  - Aged care and disability facilities
  - Large events with more than 1,000 people.
- Four personal visitors permitted per patient per day in a hospital, aged care or disability facility, with masks mandatory.
- Casino gaming floor and nightclubs can reopen, subject to the 2sqm rule.
- 100-person limit in all homes, for private indoor or outdoor gatherings.
- 200-person limit on weddings and funerals. People who wish to have more than 200 people must apply for an exemption by completing the Weddings and funeral exemptions form and emailing it to DoH.WeddingsFunerals@health.wa.gov.au
- Major stadiums, including Optus Stadium, RAC Arena, HBF Park and HBF Stadium – Main Arena can operate at 75 per cent capacity, with masks mandatory.
Anyone who has been in Perth or Peel in the previous 14 days but has since travelled to another region must also wear a mask, subject to the above conditions.
6 May 2021
New restrictions have been announced in NSW. Click here to read the full announcement.
The following measures will be effective from midday today, 6 May 2021 (enforceable from 5pm) until 12:01am Monday, 10 May for the Greater Sydney region (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains):
- Visitors to households will be limited to 20 guests – including children
- Masks will be compulsory on public transport and in all public indoor venues, such as retail, theatres, hospitals, aged care facilities and for front-of-house hospitality staff (except in a hospitality venue when eating or drinking)
- Drinking while standing up at indoor venues will not be allowed
- Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed
- Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings with a strong recommendation that no more than 20 people should be on the dancefloor at any one time
- Visitors to aged care facilities will be limited to two people.
June
28 June 2021
Western Australia
The West Australian Government has extended their health orders and introduced a four-day lockdown for Perth and the Peel region from midnight 28 June for four days at a minimum.
These restrictions include:
- People to stay home except if you are an essential worker or service provider; purchasing essential goods like food, groceries and medical supplies within 5km of home or at closest practical location; one hour of outdoor exercise per day
- Masks are mandatory including on public transport and outdoor public areas where physical distancing not possible
- For medical or health care purposes
- The two-metre-square rule applies
- Community sport cancelled
- Public events cancelled
- Non-essential retail heavily restricted
Travel between NSW and WA not permitted, unless exemptions in place.
Further details can be found at: https://www.wa.gov.au
27 June 2021
The NSW Government introduced new Public Health Orders which came into force on Saturday 26 June at 6.00pm and forced Greater Sydney,
the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong into full lockdown until Friday 9 July.
The new restrictions mean people are only permitted to leave their homes for the following reasons:
- Essential work, or education, where you cannot work or study from home
- Shopping for food or other essential goods and services
- Medical care or compassionate needs (including to get a COVID-19 test or vaccination
- Exercise outdoors in groups of 10 or fewer
There is no curfew. Mandatory mask wearing, social distancing and venue capacity restrictions are still in place.
Full details can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Staff and students should remain at home unless there are essential reasons to come into the University.
Our buildings will be restricted to swipe-card access only however if you require entry please contact your School for approval in the first instance who will then inform Security.
Western Australia
The West Australian Government has introduced Phase 1 restrictions for Perth and the Peel region from 12pm, Sunday 27 June for the next three days.
These include:
- Masks to be worn indoors, on public transport and outdoor public areas where physical distancing not possible
- The two-metre-square rule has been introduced
- Limit of 30 visitors to the home
- Events restricted to 150 people
Travel between NSW and WA not permitted, unless exemptions in place.
Full details can be found at https://www.wa.gov.au
25 June 2021
New South Wales
The NSW Government has issued Stay at Home Orders for four Sydney local government areas and extended the existing restrictions of mandatory masks indoors, social distancing and minimising large gatherings, commencing 11-59pm tonight until midnight Friday 2 July.
These orders relate to people who live or work in the four Sydney local government areas (LGA) of Waverley, Woollahra, Randwick and City of Sydney.
People who live in those areas, or have worked in those areas in the past fortnight, will only be permitted to leave home for four reasons:
- Shopping for food or other essential goods and services
- Medical care or compassionate needs
- Exercise outdoors in groups of 10 or fewer
- Essential work, or education, where you cannot work or study from home
Staff and students should remain at home during this time and not come to campus, unless for previously approved activities.
Our buildings will be restricted to swipe-card access only. If you require entry you should contact your line manager or School for approval in the first instance who will then inform Security.
As previously stated, if you live or work in the City of Sydney, Waverley, Randwick, Canada Bay, Inner West, Bayside, and Woollahra local government areas, you cannot travel outside metropolitan Sydney for non-essential reasons.
Victoria
Restrictions eased across metropolitan and regional areas at midnight Thursday 24 June
The updated restrictions include:
- There are no restrictions on the reasons to leave home and you can now travel to regional Victoria.
- Face masks are mandatory indoors, except at your home or if a lawful exception applies.
- Face masks are recommended outdoors where you cannot maintain 1.5 metres from others.
- Schools and universities remain open and you aren’t required to work or study from home.
- Workplaces like offices can increase to 75% capacity or 30 people, whichever is greater.
Western Australia
On Wednesday 23 June all remaining Covid-related capacity limits were removed for WA venues.
Travel between NSW and WA is not permitted at this time, unless an exemption is in place.
23 June 2021
The New South Wales Government have announced effective 4pm today, new restrictions will apply across greater Sydney until 12.01am Thursday 1 July.
Masks will be mandatory on campus, in all indoor settings (including office spaces) and capacity limits of 1 per 4 square metre will apply.
Travel between NSW and WA is no longer permitted unless an exemption is in place.
Please also note if you are on the Sydney or Darlinghurst Campus, or live in the LGA identified you will no longer be permitted to travel outside the metropolitan Sydney area.
With restrictions on movement across metropolitan Sydney we are urging staff and students to consider their personal travel requirements.
All staff will need to liaise with their Line Manager in the first instance to discuss appropriate arrangements and students should contact their School for further instructions.
We request all staff and students remain vigilant and informed during this time by regularly checking for updates and covid-like symptoms.
Up-to-date information on case locations is provided on the NSW Health website.
Full news archive
21 June 2021
COVID-19 case locations in NSW
New case locations have been identified in the Sydney metropolitan area and face masks are now mandatory on public transport across metropolitan Sydney and in specified indoor areas of some local governments. We will continue to monitor advice from the New South Wales Government and keep staff and students updated as the situation evolves.
It's essential that we all stay informed and regularly check COVID-19 case locations and alerts. Up-to-date information is provided on the NSW Health website.
Anyone who has been to a case location or has COVID-like symptoms, no matter how mild, should follow NSW Health advice about self-isolation and testing.
Please do not come to campus if you have COVID-like symptoms, have been to a location or feel unwell. On campus, staff should continue to practice good hand hygiene (use sanitiser provided) and check-in using the Service NSW app.
8 June 2021
Western Australia is fast-tracking the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program. People aged 30 and older, and all Aboriginal people over the age of 16 in WA are now eligible to #rollup4WA and book in a COVID-19 vaccine. If you are in this age group, visit Roll up for WA to click through to the online vaccination booking system, or call 13 COVID (13 26843). Press option 1 for the WA vaccination booking line. You can also book an appointment at participating GP and GP Respiratory clinics. Contact your GP to see if they are part of the program or look on the eligibility checker. If you are a priority worker, in Phase 1a or 1b, you remain eligible and can book through Roll up for WA.
In the metropolitan area, the community vaccination clinic at Claremont Showgrounds will be able to offer 2,000 appointments each day from Thursday, and soon, the Joondalup and Kwinana clinics will expand to offer both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines. For more information about the clinics and the opening times and locations, visit Roll up for WA.
July
19 July 2021
NSW Campus and Sites
The current stay-at-home orders have been extended until midnight Friday 30 July. These orders apply to everyone who lives in, works in, or attends a university in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour local government areas.
While the public health orders are in place, the University will provide all services virtually including learning resources, student support and enrolment services.
If it is essential that you attend campus, please confirm this first with your line manager or safety@nd.edu.au, it is crucial that you first check the latest COVID-19 case locations and alerts, and follow NSW Health advice about self-isolation and testing. If you have even the mildest of flu-like symptoms, do not come to campus, get tested and stay home and follow the NSW Health guidelines.

WA Campuses and Sites
There are still strict travel restrictions in place for travel to some remote Aboriginal communities and we encourage you to check the Remote Aboriginal communities travel page before travelling through remote areas in WA.
WA has also enforced it’s hard border with QLD, NSW and VIC which will see visitors from those states only permitted under extenuating circumstances and they will be subject to testing and quarantine.
VIC Regional Schools
Victoria is currently under lockdown restrictions with face masks mandatory in all indoors and outdoors settings and no travel outside 5km from your home unless for defined essential services.
Much like our NSW campus, staff and students are urged to stay home and work remotely where possible.
5 July 2021
WA Campuses and Sites
The Western Australian Government has ended the three-day COVID-19 circuit-breaker lockdown
The Fremantle Campus will re-open for all staff and students on Monday 5 July with some phased interim restrictions:
- Wearing a mask on campus (including indoors) is compulsory. Masks will be available from Campus Services and the Library should you require one.
- Capacity limits will apply to all buildings and will be indicated at the point of entry.
- The intrastate Perth and Peel border is lifted, meaning people can travel within WA with the exception of some remote Aboriginal communities. Masks and other restrictions will still apply.
Eased transitional restrictions will take effect at 12:01am 6 July, and remain in place until 12:01am Monday 12 July, pending ongoing health advice.
Capacity limits will be adjusted and masks will not be required outside where physical distancing is possible. Masks will remain mandatory for indoor public venues, including in the workplace and on public transport.
NSW Campus and Sites
Stay-at-home-orders remain in place until midnight Friday 9 July and from Monday 12 July, use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces. Patrons, staff and visitors will be required to register on entry.
August
24 August 2021
NSW Campus and Sites
Stay at home rules have been extended across all of NSW
You must stay at home unless you have a reasonable excuse to leave your home.
Check the COVID-19 rules and restrictions for your local area
More information
While the public health orders are in place, the University will provide all services virtually including learning resources, student support and enrolment services.
If it is essential that you attend campus, please confirm this first with your line manager or safety@nd.edu.au, it is crucial that you first check the latest COVID-19 case locations and alerts, and follow NSW Health advice about self-isolation and testing.
If you have even the mildest of flu-like symptoms, do not come to campus, get tested and stay home and follow the NSW Health guidelines.
WA Campuses and Sites
There are still strict travel restrictions in place for travel to some remote Aboriginal communities and we encourage you to check the Remote Aboriginal communities travel page before travelling through remote areas in WA.
Travel is permitted into and around WA from interstate and New Zealand, depending on where travellers have come from and who they’ve had contact with in the 14 days prior to travel.
Check COVID-19 coronavirus: Controlled border (www.wa.gov.au for details on WA’s controlled border arrangement, conditions of entry and quarantine.
More information
VIC Regional Schools
A stay-at-home curfew is in place for Metropolitan Melbourne. Between 9:00pm and 5:00am, you cannot leave your home other than for limited reasons.
If you are in Regional Victoria, the curfew does not apply however face masks are mandatory in all indoors and outdoors settings and you must stay within 5km of your home for shopping and exercise.
Much like our NSW campus, staff and students are urged to stay home and work remotely where possible.
More information
- https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites
- Get tested at a nearby testing location.
- Vaccinations in Victoria
October
27 October 2021
NSW Online Exams – Semester 2 2021 Update
University facilities in Sydney will open in a limited capacity from Monday 18 October 2021 to fully vaccinated or medically exempt staff and students.
We understand that you may wish to attend campus to sit your online exams.
We are pleased to confirm invigilated exam facilities will be available on a limited and priority basis from Monday 8 November to Friday 26 November 2021 for fully vaccinated or medically exempt students in accordance with the NSW Public Health Order on the Broadway Campus.
Apply to take your exam onsite
Requests to utilise University facilities should be directed to Sydney Examinations (sydney.examinations@nd.edu.au) before Monday 1 November 2021.
Keeping COVID-safe on campus
To ensure the safety of all on campus, you will be required to:
- Provide evidence of your vaccination status on entry to access the allocated exam venue
- Sign in via QR code or complete the register prior to entry
- Sign out via QR code or sign out the register prior to leaving
- Wear a face mask in all internal areas (mask will be provided in all venues)
- Maintain social distancing at all times 1.5 metres
- Follow designated travel routes at all times
- Do not access areas other than those designated for your online exam
- After your exam leave campus promptly
- Practice good hygiene as per COVID-19 guidelines
What we will do:
- University Security will be on site to manage access and entry requirements (please ensure you have your student ID and Vaccination certificate
- Provide hand sanitisers in all venue
- We will maintain an enhanced cleaning regime
- Provide bottled water
Remember, if you are feeling unwell, or are experiencing the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend campus and arrange to be tested.
15 October 2021
NSW Campus – Plan to re-open
University facilities in Sydney will open in a limited capacity from Monday 18 October 2021 to fully vaccinated or medically exempt staff and students.
While Semester 2 classes will continue to be delivered online, eligible staff and students wishing to return to campus from Monday will have limited access to the following facilities:
- The Library (Broadway): Library staff only and UNDA students for private study
- City Rd: For all other Sydney staff who are unable to work from home
- Darlinghurst Campus: Staff and students should follow current access arrangements
- Exam locations: For students wishing to undertake online exams onsite (further details to follow)
However, please do not come to campus with even the mildest of symptoms of COVID.
Keeping you safe
The University continues to have its COVID Safe Plans in place and on-campus procedures to ensure the safety of all. This includes:
- Extra security at all entrances to monitor staff and students access including QR code check-in and proof of vaccination status checks
- Wearing of facemasks will be mandatory when on campus
- 1.5m physical distancing, with signage in place as a reminder
- Enhanced cleaning regime
- Hand sanitisers in all venues
We are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that we can return to normal campus life soon and we will communicate updated plans and procedures as and when available.
We appreciate your patience and look forward to seeing you back on campus soon.
December
8 December 2021
Students to return to Sydney campuses in 2022
We are delighted to confirm that the University will welcome students back to our Sydney campuses in 2022.
With the current COVID-climate, NSW Roadmap and health advice in mind, we have developed a Notre Dame Sydney Campuses “Return to Campus Roadmap” which includes dates for each of our back to campus phases, safety precautions and vaccination status to attend campus.
Our Roadmap allows us to safely return to normal University life including a return to appropriate teaching mode for your classes’, social interaction and student life activities, including a range of back to campus celebration events prior to the commencement of 1st Semester 2022.
Keeping You Safe
To keep you safe when you are on campus the University continues to have its COVID Safety Plan in place.
We will continue to have the following measures in place for your return:
- Enhanced COVID cleaning regime
- QR code sign in
- Free masks
- Hand Sanitisers in all venues
We will continue to monitor the prevailing health context, Public Health Orders and adjust the University’s COVID Safety measures accordingly, keeping you informed as these are updated.
Your school will provide you with information regarding specific course or program teaching arrangements.
We want to make your return to campus as positive and safe an experience as possible. Should you feel anxious about returning to your university campus, please don’t hesitate to discuss this with your school representative.

2020

March
31 March 2020
- As part of the government’s $130-billion relief package, struggling businesses will receive fortnightly wage subsidy up to $1500 per employee on the books since March 1 (amendments could still be made but this will be a base point). Nearly 200,000 businesses have already registered. If you require information about the new JobSeeker payment, click here.
- The NSW Premier has warned the public not to look at the drop in daily increase of positive COVID-19 cases because the threat is the cases we don’t know about that are occurring through community transmission. Testing will be increased in ‘hot spots’ such as in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney.
- In WA, drones are being deployed to deliver audio warnings regarding social distancing rules. Stage 3 restrictions are now in place in WA and include hard closures of the border, as well as playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gym equipment in line with the Federal Government’s recommendations.
- NSW and VIC have begun issuing fines and enforcing the two-person gathering rules.
- You can now download the Australian Department of Health’s official Coronavirus Australia app for updates. More information available here.
30 March 2020
- Federal Government offers $130b in coronavirus wage subsidies for businesses to pay workers, more information here.
- WA Police drones will be deployed to public spaces to deliver audio warnings to those caught flouting social distancing rules.
- Premier Mark McGowan has today announced stage three restrictions for WA residents which will include the hard closure of our border and the closure of playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gym equipment.
- COVID-19 clinics in WA are opening to the wider community who have symptoms such as a fever and respiratory illness.
- Deputy chief medical officer Paul Kelly says the government's social distancing measures are working, with a "stabilisation of the numbers" of new infections - but "this is not a time to take the foot off the brake”.
29 March 2020
- A WA Police Enforcement squad of more than 200 police officer will hit the streets of WA to ensure people are complying with quarantine and gathering requirements in response to COVID-19. The State Government will introduce $1,000 on-the-spot fines for individuals and $5,000 fines for businesses who disobey the rules. More details here.
- Beyond Blue will set up a COVID-19 mental health support service which offers free information, counselling and referrals online and by phone for people struggling with the impacts of the pandemic. Get support here.
- State and territories will put a moratorium on rental evictions of people in financial distress for the next six months.
- From 30 March 2020, the Australian Government will expand Medicare-subsidised telehealth services (where treatment can be delivered by phone or videoconferencing) for all Australians. Services will include GP services and some consultation services provided by other medical specialists. Read the official statement here.
- Public gatherings outdoors are now limited to two people only (previously 10 people).
- The Government has launched a WhatsApp service to share information more quickly and easily. Access it at oz.gov.au/whatsapp.
28 March 2020
- From midnight AEDT on 28 March 2020 all people entering Australia will be required to undertake their mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities (for example, a hotel), in their port of arrival. Travellers will be transported directly to designated facilities after appropriate immigration, customs and enhanced health checks. More information about travel restrictions is available here.
- Australian Defence Force personnel will support state and territory police to ensure travellers comply with mandatory self-isolation measures.
- The WA Government will introduce further restrictions on travel within Western Australia from 31 March 2020 (12.00am AWST Wednesday morning 1 April 2020). Western Australian intrastate travel is defined as movement through the boundaries of the regions of Western Australia. For information on what the regions are, visit the state government website here.
27 March 2020
- The University can confirm that a student enrolled at our Sydney campus has tested positive for COVID-19. The student has been in self-isolation since 17th March, and tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, on 26th March.
  
  Contact tracing and additional cleaning is being undertaken, and the University is working closely with NSW Health to minimise any further risk of transmission. The student is receiving appropriate medical care and is recovering at home in isolation. We are in contact to provide support and counselling through what is undoubtedly a difficult time.
  
  The university’s rapid transition to digital learning platforms, supporting social distancing to protect students and staff has been both rapid and successful. We want to again acknowledge the tremendous effort by everyone involved to ensure course work can continue as much as possible with little disruption.
26 March 2020
- The Government is offering $750 one-off support payments to 6.5 million Australians including some eligible students. Click here to find out if you’re eligible and what you need to do to ensure you receive the payment.
25 March 2020
- The Commonwealth Government will implement a ‘do not travel’ ban on Australians travelling overseas under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Exemptions will be managed by the Australian Border Force and will apply to a range of categories of travellers, including for those citizens ordinarily resident overseas, where travel is essential or necessary, where travel is in our national interest, and on compassionate and humanitarian grounds. Read the Prime Minister’s official statement here.
- The Prime Minister further tightened COVID-19 lockdown, restricting social gatherings including weddings and funerals. Other services to close include real estate auctions, beauty salons, community centres such as pools and libraries, shopping centre food courts (takeaway permitted) and entertainment venues. See the full list here.
- There will be enforcement of the required self-isolation measures (for those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or returned from international travel) with penalties – this will be managed by the States.
22 March 2020
- NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that NSW will proceed to a more comprehensive shutdown of non-essential services over the next 48 hours, with more specific details to come. Read her official statement here. Check nsw.gov.au for further updates.
- Victoria will also shut down non-essential services in the next 48 hours, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced. Read his statement here.
- WA has announced it will be shutting its borders from 1.30pm (AWST) Tuesday. Exemptions apply for essential services and workers. Interstate arrivals will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Check wa.gov.au for further updates.
19 March 2020
The Australian Government announced that from 9pm AEDT 20 March 2020, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.
18 March 2020
- The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade has raised travel advice to Level 4 today, advising all Australians to not travel overseas at this time. It’s recommended that people travelling overseas who wish to return to Australia should do so as soon as possible. For more information, visit Smartraveller.
- The Australian Government has banned non-essential, indoor gatherings of more than 100 people. However, this will not impact universities at this stage. The pre-existing ban restricting mass gatherings to 500 people will remain in place for outdoor events. For the official statement, click here.
16 March 2020
The Australian Government announced all travellers arriving in Australia will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. For more information about what this means, visit the NSW Department of Health website or the Department of Home Affairs for travel advice.
13 March 2020
- The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade has advised all Australians to reconsider their need to travel overseas at this time, regardless of destination, age or health. For more information, visit smartraveller.gov.au/crisis/covid-19-and-travel.
- Prime Minister Scott Morrison has advised against organised, non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people to limit the spread of coronavirus. Currently this does not impact “essential services such as schools, workplaces, hospitals, public transportation, domestic travel and universities as well as public transient places such as shopping centres.” To read the full media release, visit https://www.pm.gov.au/media/advice-coronavirus.
April
24 April 2020
- While most traditional ANZAC Day services have been cancelled as a result of COVID-19, ABC will be broadcasting a dawn service from 5.30amAEST tomorrow. A reminder that Monday is a public holiday in WA.
- Chief medical officer Brendan Murphy has said that easing restrictions on family gatherings, shopping and sports was under consideration.
22 April 2020
- The government’s new contact tracing app will be rolled out within the next fortnight. The PM has said it would not be compulsory to download. More helpful FAQs on the app are available in an ABC report.
- With only 26 new COVID-19 cases reported overnight Australia-wide, the curve is flattening but there are no immediate plans to lift the social distancing restrictions in place.
- The NSW Premier announced a plan for a staged reopening of schools.
16 April 2020
- The Prime Minister and Premiers will seek to come to some agreement about the reopening of schools and safety measures in place for students and teachers at today’s cabinet meeting. The NSW Premier has said that at this stage the plan is for students to continue online learning and reintroduce face-to-face learning by Term 3.
- The Federal Government has indicated it will introduce the TraceTogether app (used in Singapore already) to track coronavirus patients and the people they come in contact with. While the app would be voluntary, its introduction has raised concerns around privacy issues.
- The Ruby Princess will be required to leave Australian waters by Sunday according to a deadline set by the NSW Police Commissioner.
- The NSW Premier has reminded people to stay home if they are feeling sick, after a healthcare worked unknowingly passed on COVID-19 to residents and staff at the Anglicare Newmarch House where she worked. The employee had mild symptoms and continued attending work. NSW has also increased testing in more hotspot areas to encourage more people to be tested if feeling unwell.
- 70% of people are saying they are buying and drinking more alcohol daily because of stress/concern connected with COVID-19.
- A Perth man has become the first person jailed for breaching coronavirus quarantine laws repeatedly.
- World News: The International Monetary Fund has announced it’s ready to mobilise US$1 trillion in capital for low-interest loans for 102 of its members struggling to manage the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.
13 April 2020
- Education Minister Dan Tehan has announced the Federal Government will guarantee $18-billion of funding to universities this year, even if their domestic enrolments drop, and provide $100-million of regulatory fee relief to the tertiary education sector, including private vocational education and training. Under the relief package for higher education providers, the government is also creating cut-price online courses for Australians to re-skill at home.
- Under changes made by the State Government, from April 17 NSW doctors will be able to prescribe medication via email or fax, making it easier for patients to access medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Also in NSW, State Government has announced a $440-million residential and commercial rent package, which will force landlords and tenants to negotiate in a bid to stop rent strikes or evictions.
- WA Premier Mark McGowan has said he'd keep restrictions in place despite the state recording three new cases, its lowest daily number since testing began.
8 April 2020
- The Minister for Education Dan Tehan has said Year 12 students will graduate and receive an ATAR university entrance rank this year, despite disruptions to schools. He will be looking at possible adjustment to this year’s ATAR scoring. "When it comes to how the ATAR is calculated and assessed, the Commonwealth is going to do further work with the university sector, with the vocational education sector and will come back to the Education Council in May," he said.
- A long-term strategy to ease social-isolation restrictions and expose Australians to COVID-19 in manageable doses is being considered by the country’s chief health officials as one of a range of options for how to deal with COVID-19 in the absence of a vaccine.
5 April 2020
- The public has been warned against using imported at-home coronavirus testing kits that could undermine the work of health professionals by providing false negatives.
- People have been urged not to travel for the Easter holidays. Random ID checks will be conducted on people in rural areas of NSW throughout the holidays to ensure people from the greater Sydney area are not travelling unnecessarily. Police officers will also be deployed to major supermarkets this week after Woolworths and Coles pledged to dramatically increase social distancing measures ahead of the Easter rush.
3 April 2020
- Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned restrictions/social distancing could continue until October.
- The government has announced free childcare for parents who need to work during the COVID-19 pandemic across some 13,000 centres. The free childcare would be in place for six months from next week and would not be means tested.
- WA will be the first state to introduce hard borders. The WA Premier is urging residents to return to the state before Sunday night’s border closures. Exemptions include health services, emergency workers, transport/freight/logistics, national and state security, judicial services, FIFO workers and families.
- The Queensland border at Coolangatta and Tweed Heads has now been shut to non-residents or those with a specific exemptions, such as work.
- The NSW Premier has announced $10,000 grants for small businesses to help with fixed costs.
- The Ruby Princess scandal has escalated, with another two passengers dying after contracting the coronavirus on the ship — the largest source of Australian deaths from the pandemic — and federal and state leaders accusing the cruise operator of lying. The Premier has ordered an investigation into the disaster.
- The workplace tribunal has announced plans to give unpaid "pandemic leave" and more annual leave at half pay to millions of workers.
1 April 2020
- Over 200,000 businesses registered for the $130-billion JobKeeper wage subsidy in 24 hours. Parliament will join next Wednesday to consider the new legislation.
- NSW Police are cracking down on people in public spaces, sending people home even if they are following social distancing rules. This follows a cluster in Bondi (thought to be caused by backpackers) and has led to a pop-up testing clinic in the area.
- The NSW Premier is urging people who can to ‘retool’ their businesses to help manufacture medical supplies due to shortages in the global market.
- Authorities are urging people aged over 65 to get a flu vaccine.
- Over 40,000 doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists who are no longer practicing or registered will be encouraged to re-enter the workforce to boost Australia’s capacity to treat patients throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Over 30,000 West Australians are currently in mandatory self-isolation at home after returning from overseas in recent weeks.
May
11 May 2020
- The Federal Government has announced a 3-step plan towards easing restrictions: Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia. For a more detailed look at the stages, click here.
- States and Territories will ease restrictions at different times based on local conditions.
- From today, students in NSW will be returning to school at least one day a week. To read about the other restrictions that have been eased in NSW, click here.
- From May 18^th, WA will also be easing a number of restrictions. To read about what restrictions have been eased in WA, click here.
- Some local and regional travel is now permitted.
1 May 2020
- Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy has announced there are 6765 active cases of COVID-19 across the nation but with less than 20 new cases being reported per day, Australia is performing better than expected in terms of flattening the curve.
- Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said he would discuss the early easing of social distancing restrictions at next Friday’s cabinet meeting. However, he encouraged more Australians to download the CovidSAFE app, which is part of the government’s plan to help keep Australian safe as restrictions are lifted. More information about the app, is available here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app
- Some social distancing restrictions have been lifted already. The ABC has put together this helpful guide for what is and isn’t allowed, by state.
June
19 June 2020
- As COVID-19 restrictions continue to be lifted, an increasing number of people will be travelling to and from university and work on public transport. For more information about keeping safe on public transport, visit:
  - Transperth
  - TransportNSW or the COVIDSafe Travel Choices page
- The NSW Government recently announced changes to the number of people allowed on public transport from July 1. For more details and guidelines, click here.

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Living with COVID-19 Management Plan

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Returning to campus mask requirement

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28 February 2022

COVID-19 response on campus - Staff

23 February 2022

Fremantle Campus Update

18 February 2022

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17 February 2022

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8 February 2022

Message from the Vice Chancellor

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Changes to the way we manage COVID-19 on campus

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27 October 2021

NSW Online Exams – Semester 2 2021 Update

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