Dear staff,
As you may have heard, the Queensland Government has announced the recent COVID-19 three-day lock-down will be lifted from 12 noon today, Thursday 1 April. This is extremely good news ahead of the Easter weekend.
I would like to thank all of our staff for doing the right thing over the past three days and adhering to the restrictions.
The restricted access to our campuses in Greater Brisbane and Gatton will be lifted at 12 noon today and all University sites within these areas will move to Level 1 outlined in our COVID-19 business continuity plan.
Staff should continue to work from home for the remainder of the day, unless you need to come to campus or are essential staff who are authorised by a member of the University Senior Leadership Group (USLG) to access campus.
Some restrictions will continue in Queensland for the next two weeks, until 12 noon on Thursday 15 April. These include:
- You must carry a face mask at all times and face masks should be worn when indoors including libraries, cafes, indoor workplaces (where it is safe to wear one and where you cannot physically distance), public transport, taxis and rideshare (including queuing for transport).
- Exemptions to wearing masks include where you need to be able to easily communicate, such as teaching.
- If you are outside and cannot physically distance, face masks should also be worn.
- Patrons must be seated at entertainment, eating and dining venues.
- In-person events scheduled for the next two weeks on campus can go ahead but they must be approved via the usual processes and adhere to physical distancing guidelines and face mask requirements.
- The use of QR codes where available.
Our intercampus shuttle buses between St Lucia to Gatton and Long Pocket will recommence on Tuesday 6 April with the normal timetable for Gatton and Long Pocket.
UQ Sport facilities will reopen on Saturday 3 April at St Lucia and Tuesday 6 April at Gatton.
Next week is mid-Semester break for our students but our campuses will be open for students to access study areas and WIFI, and attend any scheduled classes or assessment.
The recent events are a reminder that we must all continue to be vigilant, and this includes staying at home if you are unwell and getting tested, and practising healthy hygiene.
I hope you have a relaxing and safe Easter break and have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. And for those not on holiday next week, I look forward to seeing you back on campus next Tuesday.
Best wishes
Debbie
