Reacting to a host of new restrictions and health advice, Charles Sturt University has doubled its efforts to safely reduce its on-campus population in Wagga.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It also follows yesterday's confirmation that a student at one of Charles Sturt's regional campuses, had recently returned from Italy and tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement to The Daily Advertiser today, a spokesperson for the university refused to disclose which campus the student was from.
But, the spokesperson did reiterate the vice chancellor's words yesterday, in saying they had not had recent contact with campus life and that "currently, no contact tracing is required".
Related:
Even still, the effort continues to move students off campus as online learning operation commence as the mid-semester break is brought forward to being at the end of this week.
"The latest Department of Health advice in relation to group accommodation is that it presents a higher risk for transmission of COVID-19 and that accommodation closure be considered or densities should be reduced," the spokeperson said.
"In line with this advice, we recommended that students move out of their rooms and return home when the mid session break commences, on Saturday 28 March."
When classes resume on April 14, it is understood it will predominantly be via online delivery.
Rumours had circulated across the campus and the wider Wagga community that students would be forced out of their college rooms as early as Tuesday. But the spokesperson confirmed this was not the case.
"Some misinformation on moving out was published by some students in Wagga Wagga and this has been clarified with additional communication to students from the university yesterday," the spokesperson said.
"If a student has a reason to remain on campus, this can be arranged. No student will be put in a position where they have nowhere to live."
The university also announced the closure of campus services yesterday, in accordance with the government's revised gathering restrictions.
Among the closures will be the cashier terminals, gyms and fitness areas, and the student services counter, although over-the-phone and online options are still available.