This week, the University of Sydney and Macquarie University announced they would be moving classes online to protect students and staff from the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
On Wednesday, an 86-year old Sydney man became the sixth Australian to die from the virus as the number of confirmed cases nationwide passed 500.
While Prime Minister Scott Morrison reiterated that the National Cabinet had no intention of closing schools and universities, some have made the decision to suspend face-to-face teaching after some of their own staff and students become infected with COVID-19.
In a statement on Tuesday, the University said it will “transition to online delivery of teaching and learning” to help ensure the wellbeing of its community and minimise disruption to studies.
“From Monday 23 March there will be no face-to-face teaching on campus. All teaching and learning will be delivered online,” the statement read.
“Arrangements for your classes will be confirmed via Canvas. You do not need to make any changes to your enrolment”.
The University said the only exception to the suspension of face-to-face teaching will involve some clinical placements and workshops, in which social distancing and other health precautions will be put in place.
On Tuesday, Macquarie University confirmed that one of its students had tested positive for COVID-19 and that face-to-face teaching would be suspended for 12 days, starting from Wednesday.
“We have now decided to make a substantial move towards online learning to support ongoing study,” Vice-Chancellor Professor Bruce Dowton said.
“All face-to-face and online teaching will pause from midnight tonight as the University transitions to online delivery. Teaching will resume on Monday 30 March 2020”.
The University also postponed all non-essential University events held between 23 March and 18 April to assist with social distancing. April Graduation ceremonies have also been cancelled, the University said.