16 March 2020
Dear Students
The Australian Performing Arts Conservatory continues to closely monitor the evolving novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Australia and overseas. The Conservatory’s number one priority is the health and safety of all members of our community – our students, staff and families. Currently there are limits on organised gatherings that are non-essential:
- more than 500 people
- meetings or conferences for critical workforce members, such as healthcare professionals and emergency services.
HOWEVER: These limits do not apply to workplaces, schools, universities, shops, supermarkets, public transport and airports.
How we are planning for the Coronavirus situation
APAC does not wish to be alarmist; however, it is prudent to be prepared. APAC supports the Federal and State governments policies and advices in regard to all issues related to COVID in relation to all schools and schooling processes. The Australian Government has well-developed National Emergency Response Plans which inform our response at the local level.
In relation to maintaining study program continuity, a range of possible strategies are being considered and developed. Your study is extremely important and, as in other disaster and emergency events, APAC has online learning materials and virtual classroom capability via Moodle and Zoom, that can be used by teachers to support your learning. Please contact your lecturer via email to discuss if you are affected.
Helping to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Based on the latest available information, many people who contract COVID–19 will suffer mild symptoms. The most common symptoms reported include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Breathing difficulties such as breathlessness
If you develop flu-like symptoms, please:
• stay at home;
• avoid close contact with others such as touching, kissing or hugging, or any mass gatherings,
• see a doctor or contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) immediately;
• call ahead to the medical centre or doctor’s surgery, advising of your symptoms
If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing:
• Call 000, ask for an ambulance and notify the officers of the recent travel or close contact history.
Early indications are that the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions are more at risk of experiencing severe symptoms.
Various State Health Departments recommend the following ways to reduce the risk of coronavirus:
• Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap is unavailable;
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. (dispose of tissues in the bin immediately). If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow
• Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication ensure you have adequate supplies.
• Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep.
• Don't wear a face mask if you are well.
Further advice and information about the coronavirus is available on the Queensland Health website: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources
Ongoing Communication
The Conservatory will post further updates via student emails and moodle to assist with regular communication about the COVID-19 Virus as it relates to Australian Performing Arts Conservatory.
The Conservatory will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed. We appreciate your ongoing cooperation and understanding of our efforts to keep our community safe and our students learning.
I thank you for your support in managing this event and supporting student awareness of the additional need for strong health and hygiene practices.
Yours sincerely
Marcus Hogan
Founder & CEO
