The Australian National University (ANU) has set up a Critical Response Team to coordinate its activities in respect of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
The team, led by the ANU’s Chief Operation Officer, Paul Duldig consists of seven groups, each with a specific focus and under the leadership of a senior ANU staff member.
The ANU said the groups were Community Safety, Teaching Continuity, Community Leadership, Research Continuity, Operational Continuity, Community Engagement and the Incident Coordination team.
“The principals upon which our response is based are to limit community transmission and to ensure safe university continuity through a positive and engaged community,” the ANU said.
“We are guided by the principal that our decisions be evidence-based, proportionate, calm, safe and transparent.”
The facility is also employing social distancing measures in line with the Prime Minister’s announcement that students at educational facilities keep a 1.5m distance from each other.
The ANU has also announced its decision to recall all staff and students currently overseas on official travel.
“This includes all students undertaking exchange programs and other University approved travel – students are being contacted with information on what to do next and the support we can provide to return home as soon as possible,” the ANU said.
“Staff who are currently overseas on University travel will be contacted and be provided support to return home.”
It said the University had also suspended all future international travel until further notice.
“Domestic travel on university business is actively discouraged and requires the approval of the relevant Research School Director or equivalent Level D3 delegate in non-College areas,” the ANU said.
