Latest Updates on COVID-19 Measures

Latest Updates on COVID-19 Measures

Latest Updates on COVID-19 Measures

Updates on COVID-19

Updated: 29 November 2021

In response to the 2019 COVID-19 outbreak, as well as the latest measures implemented by the local government, the Singapore campus of James Cook University has put in place a set of protective measures and advice to keep our students and staff healthy and safe, as well as to better mitigate risks and minimise disruption.

Students will be supported via blended learning, including a mix of face-to-face classes and online learning. Students may refer to their respective timetables here.

The campus will remain open to students and assigned staff, with reduced supporting staff working on Campus. The campus will be open on Monday to Friday (8.30am to 6pm) and Saturday (9am to 1pm), and closed on Sunday and Public Holidays. Some programs may be offered outside these hours. Safe distancing and safe management measures will be put in place to ensure the well-being of students and staff. For details on the latest safe management guidelines, click here.

Facilities and services such as the Student Hub at Block C will be available on campus. The canteen will be open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, except Public Holidays. Only fully vaccinated students and staff will be allowed to dine at the seating areas in the canteen, in up to groups of 5. Unvaccinated students and staff are allowed to purchase takeaway from the canteen stalls, and have meals at open spaces, i.e., courtyard and open space outside the Block C student hub. Students and staff are required to show their vaccination status to the cashier before entering the Canteen Dining areas (air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned). There is only one entry and exit point (facing the courtyard). The perimeter of the canteen will be barricaded, please do not attempt to cross over the barricades for your safety. Please bring your containers to reduce the use of disposables. There should also be at least 1-metre distancing between persons in queues. All students and staff should put their mask back on immediately after your meals regardless of your vaccination status. Security Officers and Facility staff are conducting frequent walk round to ensure compliance.

The library will be open from Monday to Friday (9am – 6pm) and Saturday (9am - 1pm). In addition, self-study will be allowed on campus during campus operating hours. Physical Campus activities and club events are suspended unless specially approved due to the nature of the activities. Social gatherings will not be allowed.

Aligned with government advisory, the gym will be open to members who are fully vaccinated, limited to 2 people in the gym at any time by appointment only. Only low-intensity physical activities, where participants keep their masks on at all times, will be allowed in the gym. Gym equipment should be wiped down / sanitised before passing on for use by the next user. Unvaccinated students and staff cannot access the Gym nor participate in mask-off activities.

You can find out more about our COVID-19 Action Plan here. In the event that you are feeling unwell or there is a suspected case of COVID-19, please follow the evacuation plan outlined in Annex G of the COVID-19 Action Plan.

Students

Who you are / your situation:

Action required

New students

  • Please check your email on our ‘Welcome Letter’ to retrieve the Reporting and Orientation schedule.
  • Digital Readiness: Please ensure that you meet the minimum systems requirements for online and blended learning.
  • Take note of the dates to attend Reporting and Orientation before course commencement.

Students returning to campus

  • Students are recommended to make an appointment with respective staff members before making a trip to Campus.
  • TraceTogether-only SafeEntry (ToS) measures are conducted each time when entering the campus.
  • Please ensure that you wear a mask, as part of measures by the local authorities to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
  • Observe safe distancing measures and exam-style fixed classroom seating.
  • Attendance will be recorded by teaching staff.

All students

  • Engage in online learning using LearnJCU; contact Student Affairs studentaffairs-singapore@jcu.edu.au if further information is required.
  • Students are encouraged to conduct ART regularly to keep yourselves and everyone safe. Your wellbeing is of our top priority.

Graduating students

  • Students will be conferred through University Council meeting.
  • Students will have the opportunity to attend deferred Graduation Ceremonies.
  • Contact Graduation Office: graduation-singapore@jcu.edu.au for further details.

If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms (i.e. fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose), please do not come to the campus and visit https://flu.gowhere.gov.sg/ for a list of nearby Public Health Preparedness Clinics.

Assessment

  • Face-to-face invigilated examinations have been replaced with an online equivalent submitted via LearnJCU or an alternative assessment task.
  • Lecturers will update the subject outlines and inform students about the final assessment.

FAQ

For answers to frequently asked questions about your studies and exams amid COVID-19, please click here.

Staff

Who you are / your situation:

Action required

Staff returning to campus
  • TraceTogether-only SafeEntry (ToS) measures are conducted each time when entering the campus.
  • Please ensure that you wear a mask, as part of measures by the local authorities to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
  • Observe safe distancing and safe management measures, including staggered working hours and split teams arrangements.
  • Discuss your working, monitoring and communication arrangements with your Functional Director/Line Manager.
  • Alert your Functional Director/Line Manager accordingly if you – or any of your close contacts i.e. friends, family members – experience any relevant medical conditions or symptoms.
  • Ad-hoc access to Campus (e.g. to collect an urgent document, etc.) is only allowed upon approval from your respective Manager, and the length of visit should be restricted to fulfilling the stated purpose.
  • Staff must seek approval from their line manager (an email record is required) before entering the Campus or the SingPost office.
  • Staff must have evidence/be able to provide evidence to any visiting Singapore Government officials; in writing, on prior approval to return to/work on Campus. After obtaining this written approval:
    • Unvaccinated staff must do twice a week ART/PCR testing and must submit the ART/PCR result prior to entering Campus;
    • While optional, Vaccinated staff are strongly encouraged to do ART prior to entering Campus for their own safety, the safety of their families, and the safety of our students & staff;

    • Staff and sessionals who fall under the 8-week Rostered Routine Testing regime should visit the following link: Declaration by Staff and Sessional 8 Weeks Rostered Routine Testing.

    Staff and session who do not fall under the 8-week Rostered Routine Testing regime are still encouraged to submit your ART result prior to returning to campus: Declaration by staff/sessional non 8 week rostered receipt of MOH directives / Vacc status. Submission of MOH Directives if, you have received any, including submission of ART on the first day is also done via this link.

All staff except the above

  • All staff to telecommute. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) team will maintain minimal staffing for emergency maintenance of IT infrastructure. If staff are facing technical issues, please contact ICT team at itr-singapore@jcu.edu.au.
  • Discuss your working, monitoring and communication arrangements with your Functional Director/Line Manager.
  • Alert your Functional Director/Line Manager accordingly if you – or any of your close contacts i.e. friends, family members – experience any relevant medical conditions or symptoms.

Measures for inbound travellers

In view of the evolving COVID-19 situation globally, Singapore has put in place additional precautionary measures for some travellers entering Singapore. Please view the latest measures for inbound travellers here.

Student's Pass (STP) holders and eligible accompanying family members may apply for approval to enter Singapore via the SafeTravel website. Find out more about the requirements and process.

International Students who are planning travel to Singapore, please contact your designated Student Ambassadors for up-to-date information.

Health and medical matters

  • Please ensure that you wear a mask, as part of measures by the local authorities to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
  • If you are feeling unwell, have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive for the virus, follow the appropriate protocol as advised by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Please do not come to campus or the office.
  • Take the necessary precautions, as advised by Ministry of Health (MOH).
  • Subscribe to Gov.sg WhatsApp channel to receive the latest information about COVID-19 here.
  • Download the TraceTogether app to assist in contact tracing and curb the spread of the coronavirus here.

Let us work together by being socially responsible and do our own part in keeping good personal hygiene.

For Assistance
Contact Student Affairs at studentaffairs-singapore@jcu.edu.au or call +65 9321 6833