Macquarie University launches hotline, travel ban amid concerns over coronavirus

A ban on international visits and a hotline for students is among the measures a Sydney university is taking amid concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.

The Dorothy Henderson Lodge, where a case of coronavirus has been confirmed, is located next to the university. Picture: John Appleyard

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A Sydney university has halted international visits and set up a hotline for students amid heightened concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.

Students at Macquarie University have taken to social media raising concerns over the campus’s proximity to the Dorothy Henderson Lodge where an aged care worker was confirmed on Wednesday to have contracted COVID-19.

Watching lectures from home, regularly washing hands and avoiding public transport were among measures students said they were taking as precautions.

The university is located next to the aged care home.

One student on Facebook also raised concerns students may have crossed paths with workers from the aged care facility, located opposite the Department of Media, Music, Communication and Cultural Studies where lectures were being held on Thursday.

“I’m sure lots of people will be staying home and watching lectures online rather than coming in,” the student wrote.

In a statement, Macquarie University on Thursday said it was continuing to follow the advice of the State Government and NSW Health officials.

There are fears children at a childcare centre run by the university may have been exposed to coronavirus after visiting the Dorothy Henderson Lodge in February. Picture: John Appleyard

It comes after a lecturer in the university’s Science and Engineering faculty tested positive on Wednesday for COVID-19 after visiting Iran.

The university said the staff member has not on campus since returning from overseas and “has had no contact with either staff or students”. He is currently recovering in an isolation ward at Westmead Hospital.

“We are continuing to support students both internationally impacted by COVID-19 as well as domestic students,” the university said.

Students have avoided taking public transport.

“We have specific support lines set up for students to address any specific inquiries that they may have.”

The university has also announced it would “cease all international travel for university business effective immediately”.

“We understand that this will affect students in research programs, PACE, exchange and other international placements (however) the health and safety of our students and staff is critical in the rapidly evolving situation related to COVID-19.”

A free clinic will also be held at the Banskia Cottage childcare centre on Thursday for parents and children after children visited the Dorothy Henderson Lodge in February.

“The childcare centre keeps careful records of who attended the facility (and) for prudency we are going to have a clinic for families of children to get assessed – this if for the abundance of caution,” Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said.