Safeguarding the health and safety of our community

The current outbreak of virus COVID-19, also referred to as the novel coronavirus, is a new strain of flu, first detected in human patients in Wuhan, in China's Central Province on 29 December 2019.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

Note: Not everyone with a cold or upper respiratory symptom needs to get tested for COVID-19. Only a person with a symptoms and travel history can do the test. Additionally, most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor/General Practitioner (GP). Call ahead to make an appointment and discuss your symptoms over the phone. For more urgent medical attention visit your nearest public hospital emergency department. In an emergency, dial 998.

For more information, visit the UAE Ministry of Health & Preventions website

• Novel Coronavirus is an airbourne transmitted virus.
• Novel Coronavirus strains are spread from person to person through contaminated droplets from a person who is sick with the illness (through coughing or sneezing) or contaminated hands.
• The virus can spread through touching an infected surface.
• People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

At its core, a PHEIC is about prompting countries to work together to contain a threat. In this case, the WHO advises countries not to unnecessarily restrict travel and trade to China; to support nations with weaker health systems; accelerate the development of vaccines and treatments; stop the spread of rumours and misinformation; work to treat those who are already sick while limiting spread; share knowledge with the WHO and other countries; and work together "in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation."

More information is available here.

National governments may consider WHO advice, but they must determine the measures appropriate for their own citizens and jurisdictions independently.

It is also worth noting that the UAE Government has issued warnings about strict guidelines about spreading incorrect information on social media platforms during this critical time.

There are no cases of COVID-19 at the University of Wollongong in Dubai.

The University places the highest priority on the safety of students, staff and the communities in which we operate and is taking action to minimise its exposure to the virus. Measures include:

• Suspension of all non-essential business travel
• Availability of sanitizers throughout the campus and UOWD Residences
• Cancellation of all events on/off campus to prevent the spread of the virus
• Daily sanitization of workstations
• The establishment of appropriate isolation facilities and procedures in UOWD Student Accommodation.

Relevant advice and information is being provided to all new and returning students as well as to staff, especially those who have been travelling for personal reasons.

UOWD is following all the UAE Government’s guidelines in its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Although there are no COVID-19 cases at our UOWD campus, we remind all students, staff and visitors to UOWD to exercise good hygiene habits and follow healthcare advice to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The University has well-established and practiced public health procedures and is following all the UAE Government’s guidelines to manage any risk.

In addition to the measures mentioned before, the Spring break will be brought forward commencing 8 March until 22 March 2020.

As from 22 March, UOWD along with all the other educational institutions in the UAE, will switch to a distance-learning platform, ensuring students can progress in their studies, whilst also protecting the health and wellbeing of students and staff. Distance learning will continue until normal classes resume on 5 April, unless otherwise stated.

During this period in which the campus is closed to students the campus will undergo deep cleaning.

Information about the distance learning will be shared with the students through communication channels such as Moodle.

UOWD has long–established public health procedures in place that have been refined from experience during previous influenza outbreaks, such as SARS in 2003.

We remain committed to doing everything we can to support students, staff and community members during this time.

Incoming student residents will be provided with information and advice to reduce the risk.

Students living off campus in independent accommodation arrangements will be provided with advice and how to access local health services.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, inform your Residence Supervisor immediately. They will put the necessary emergency procedures in place. In an emergency, dial 998.

For more information, please call the Registrar’s Office on +971 4 278 1731 (office hours) or via email [email protected]

If you are exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus you should seek medical attention immediately. Do not attend university and avoid public spaces.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. You can read more about symptoms and health related information here.

In the first instance, consult your doctor/General Practitioner (GP). Call ahead to make an appointment and discuss your symptoms over the phone. For more urgent medical attention visit your nearest public hospital emergency department. In an emergency, dial 998.

Please refer to your medical insurance plan for a list of clinics and hospitals.

Anyone travelling to the UAE from overseas must follow the UAE’s Government requirements and self-isolate for a period of 14 days from arrival. For information on who should self-isolate on how to self-isolate, please visit this link.

For more information, please call the Registrar’s Office on +971 4 278 1731 (office hours) or via email [email protected]

The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus is via the normal personal hygiene measures such as regular hand washing, use of hand sanitisers, immediate disposal of used tissues, covering any coughs or sneezes and safe food practices.

For more information about preventing the spread of the coronavirus:

• Visit the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) web page
• Watch this video from the World Health Organisation (WHO)
• Visit the World Health Organisation coronavirus web page

If you suspect that you may have the symptoms of a virus, consult your doctor/General Practitioner (GP). Call ahead to make an appointment and discuss your symptoms over the phone. For more urgent medical attention visit your nearest public hospital emergency department. In an emergency, dial 998.

Please refer to your medical insurance plan for a list of clinics and hospitals.

UOWD is following all the guidelines provided by the UAE Governments in its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Latest updates (as of 18 March 2020):

Cancellations and suspension of all visas

Issuing of any type of visas are currently suspended by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs until further notice. The UAE has cancelled all types of new visas issued prior to March 17 and holders of these visas will not be allowed to enter the country.

In addition, this also applies to passport holders who are eligible for visa on arrivals. Read more here

*Please keep an eye on trustworthy media channels for important updates

Residency visa holders

The UAE has suspended the entry of all valid residency visa holders, who are currently out of the country, for a renewable period of two weeks effective noon on Thursday, March 19, due to the spread of COVID-19. Those currently on vacation should contact the UAE diplomatic mission in their respective host countries for all necessary support to facilitate their return to the UAE. Read more here

*Please keep an eye on trustworthy media channels (like the twitter feeds of MoE, MOHAP, DHA and WAM) for important updates

NB: For all students and staff across the country, a mandatory period of self-isolation for 14 days must be observed after returning to the UAE, irrespective of the country to which they have travelled. This includes parents of students as well. For more information visit the KHDA website

Students returning to UOWD from abroad, should contact the Registrar’s Office for advise on + 971 4 278 1731.

UAE airline websites have constant updates on flight schedules as well as information on what to expect upon arriving in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

• Emirates Airline Travel Updates
• Etihad Airways Travel Updates

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority is also providing updates on air travel to and from the UAE.

UOWD recognises that the coronavirus outbreak and resultant travel restrictions may have impacted the ability of some students to return to the University or commence their studies.

Current students impacted by travel restrictions, will still be able to commence with distance learning for the period 22 March – 5 April 2020. Please refer to Moodle for information about the distance learning

Students who are unable to return to campus on 5 April (unless otherwise stated), should contact the Registrar’s Office on +971 4 278 1731 or email [email protected] for further advise.

As from 22nd March, UOWD along with all the other educational institutions in the UAE, will switch to a distance-learning platform, ensuring students can progress in their studies, whilst also protecting the health and wellbeing of students and staff. Distance learning will continue until normal classes resume on 5th April, unless otherwise stated by the UAE Government.

Your lecturers will provide all the necessary details for access to lectures, and tutorials on Moodle. Laboratory sessions will be rescheduled once the University reopens on 5th April.

Consultation hours will be provided as per current schedule and academic staff will be available either over the phone or on Moodle.

The timetable remains unchanged and your lectures and tutorials are as per the current timetable.

All changes to dates of internal assessments (midterms and other form of assessment) will be uploaded on your Moodle subject site. The schedule for Final Exams is as per the originally published timetable.

You are advised to contact your lecturer if you have any queries.

The University will be fully operational during the Spring break and distance learning period. All departments will remain open.

However, studying in the library and using the library computer labs are not permitted during this time and we therefore strongly encourage students to make use of the online resources offered by the library.

Should you need further assistance from the Library staff, you can call them on +971 278 1760 (from 8:00am – 6:00pm) or email [email protected]

Transport will be running a reduced service from the student residences to the campus. There will be no bus service between the metro station at UOWD.

All students and staff based at global campuses and teaching locations should follow the health advice of the country of location government and campus administration of which they are based.

Whilst we are continuously evaluating the situation, we do understand that residents in the UAE are taking all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. This include avoiding unnecessary travel.

We have several alternative options available to communicate with you during this time and our Admissions & Recruitment team is ready to be of assistance. For more information, contact our team on +971 4 278 1800 or email [email protected].

The University of Wollongong is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all members of our community. We believe everyone has the right to feel safe and supported on campus, free from discrimination, harassment and assault. We encourage all members of the community to speak out, report and seek support if they see behaviour that is threatening, offensive, or could be seen to be harassing or discriminatory in any way.

Is it an emergency?

If you are in need of urgent help or your life is being threatened please 999. UOWD Security is on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide assistance, first aid and security escorts. You can call or request their services by calling 050-557-2925

The University understands the importance of formally celebrating this important milestone however, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is of utmost importance.

Graduation along with the Alumni Awards are postponed and will be rescheduled for later in the year when the situation has become clearer.