COVID-19 updates
At a glance
We understand many in the Monash community will be concerned about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). We're committed to adapting our teaching and learning, campus experiences and operations to ensure the health and safety of our community. We will keep the Monash community informed as the situation continues to evolve.
Latest Update View
Face coverings
The Malaysian Ministry of Health strongly encourages the continued use of face masks, especially when:
- When using public transport services such as buses, trains, taxis including e-hailing services, airplanes and buses, employee vans and school vans;
- Individuals are in crowded and congested areas such as night markets, stadiums, shopping malls and places of worship;
- Individuals in the high-risk category, such as the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, individuals with low immunity and pregnant mothers; and
- Doing activities with high-risk individuals such as the elderly and children.
Wearing a face mask is still mandatory in some situations, such as:
- Individuals who tested positive for COVID-19; and
- While in health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, hemodialysis centres, and other similar facilities.
View past updates
Published on 12 September 2022
The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) recently announced that the use of face masks indoors is now optional via the following media statement.
MOH strongly encourages the continued use of face masks especially when:
- Individuals are in crowded and congested areas such as night markets, stadiums, shopping malls and places of worship;
- Individuals are in the high risk category such as the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, individuals with low immunity and pregnant mothers; and
- Doing activities with high-risk individuals such as the elderly and children.
Wearing a face mask is still mandatory in some situations, such as:
- When using public transport services such as buses, trains, taxis including e-hailing services, airplanes and buses, employee vans and school vans; and
- While in health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, hemodialysis centres, and other similar facilities.
Monash University Malaysia (MUM) will implement MOH’s latest advice with immediate effect.
Published on 12 July 2022
DO NOT come to campus if you are feeling unwell
No staff, student or member of our community should access any of our campuses if they’re feeling unwell, even if they have tested negative with a COVID-19 self-test kit. Heads and supervisors must ensure that they make alternative work arrangements (where appropriate) for staff who are unable to be present at work.
Meetings
You are encouraged to conduct meetings online where possible. If you must have a physical meeting, a default Zoom link should be provided for online attendance as an option to our colleagues with mild symptoms who might have to work from home.
COVID-19 Testing Requirements for all students
Fully vaccinated/exempted: If you are a new student or returning from the semester break and holidays, you must conduct an RTK-Ag self-test before entering the campus.
Unvaccinated: You must conduct an RTK-Ag self-test before entering the campus. Thereafter, you must also conduct the RTK-Ag self-test weekly and upload the test results in MySejahtera.
Vaccination
Though not a mandatory requirement for campus access, the University will continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated to protect their health and the health of the broader Monash community.
Household contacts
Staff identified as household contacts are strongly recommended to work from home if they can. Staff can attend the campus or facilities if they are a household contact in exceptional circumstances (i.e. staff shortages in a specialised work area or to progress on-campus research or teaching activities to ensure academic advancement) provided they wear a mask, and undertake Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).
Published on 1 May 2022
Organising Events and Activities
- On and off-campus activities (indoor and outdoor) may be organised according to the venues’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and the latest government's SOPs.
- Activity/event organisers must assess risks when planning their activity/event in consideration of the health and safety of MUM’s community and business continuity purposes.
- All activities/events must be approved through the Event Management System (EMS) and accompanied by a SARAH Event Risk Assessment except virtual activities/events.
- It is preferable for the event to be held outdoors or in a venue with proper ventilation.
- The University retains the final right to approve or reject any application to organise an event/activity.
No more MySejahtera check-in
The Health Ministry of Health has removed MySejahtera check-in from the COVID-19 standard operating procedures governing entry to public places. Therefore, you no longer need to scan the MySejahtera QR code when you enter the campus.
Campus Entry
- Show MySejahtera status
- Show Monash ID
- Individuals with COVID positive (with 'High Risk' status) or Home Surveillance Order on their MySejahtera status will not be permitted on campus.
- Mask-wearing is required for indoor settings and optional in an outdoor settings.
- Physical distancing is encouraged where possible, especially when not wearing a mask.
- You should always activate the MySJ Trace function for contact tracing purposes.
Published on 25 February 2022
Case management for COVID-19 related incidents
The plan is now ready and available under the COVID-19 Case Management section. Please review this plan carefully. The plan has been put in place based on current government guidelines and is subject to change according to the latest advice from the relevant government agencies.
Non-vaccinated individuals
- Non-vaccinated individuals must get a PCR test three days before entering the campus and complete an RTK-Ag test and upload their test results in MySejahtera weekly thereafter.
- Staff and students: Before entering the campus, you must obtain an approval letter by completing the request form.
- Prospective parents and future students: You must make an appointment before your visit to the campus.
- Only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to dine in at our campus cafeteria.
Sports activities
All sports activities will need to comply with the SOPs listed on the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Students must be fully vaccinated to take part in any physical sports activities.
Other campus social events/activities are not permitted to be held in person at this stage. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on this matter.
Published on 14 February 2022
No more temperature checks
The Health Ministry of Health has removed temperature checks from the COVID-19 standard operating procedures governing entry to public places. Therefore, you no longer need to scan your temperature when you enter the campus. You still need to scan the MySejahtera QR code upon entry to the campus, offices and facilities to facilitate the contact tracing process by health authorities.
Work arrangements
The Malaysian government has recently advocated increasing Work from Home (WFM) arrangements whenever possible as part of preventive measures against the surge of the COVID-19. Heads and supervisors are asked to make the necessary arrangements taking the following points into consideration:
- Business and operational continuity need to take precedence in any WFH arrangements, i.e. staff who are required to deliver on-campus duties in relation to teaching and learning activities or other essential duties are expected to be on-campus.
- Contingency planning is crucial to ensure business and operational continuity should staff members become positive for COVID-19 or are classified as close contact. We encourage Heads and supervisors to implement continuity strategies such as team A/B working arrangements.
Case management for COVID-19 related incidents
The Campus Operations Group is updating the campus' case management plan in line with the latest advice from the Malaysian government, which will include advice for staff and students who have to isolate/quarantine for COVID-19 related incidents. We will provide an update on this matter soon.
Meetings/Activities/Events
You should conduct business meetings/activities/events online as much as possible. Campus social events/activities are not permitted to be held in person at this stage. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on this matter.
Published on 26 January 2022
Parameter and Guidelines for On-Campus Staff and Students Activities or Events
You should consider conducting any campus activities online if possible. However, if there is a need to organise any official campus activities or events, they should be held on-campus as far as possible. Any official events or activities approved to be held off-campus via the Event Management System (for critical reasons only) will be managed according to the approved venues’ SOPs and government SOPs.
Campus social events or activities are not permitted to be held off-campus at this stage. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on this matter.
Please refer to the Parameter and Guidelines for On-Campus Staff and Students Activities/Events.
Published on 12 January 2022
MySejahtera Profile
You are no longer required to update your MySejahtera profile page on a daily basis. However, you will still need to show your check-in status to the Security staff when you enter the campus. Please be reminded that you should only come to campus if you are healthy and have a low-risk profile in MySejahtera.
MySJ Trace
MySejahtera app has been updated with a new function called MySejahtera Trace (MySJ Trace). The add-on feature, using Bluetooth technology, will allow easier close contact tracing with those who test positive for Covid-19. You are encouraged to use MySJ Trace Bluetooth functionality on campus. With the new feature, the check-out module will be removed from MySejahtera.
Entry for Unvaccinated Individuals due to Medical Reasons
Only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to enter the campus. The exemption is only given to individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons with their MySejahtera profile showing the Covid-19 Vaccination Exemption Digital Certificate. See @JKJAVMY for more details.
COVID-19 Campus Standard Operating Procedures View
General information
Come to campus well
- Individuals with COVID positive (with 'High Risk' status) or Home Surveillance Order on their MySejahtera status will not be permitted on campus.
- Bring your Monash ID card. You may be requested to produce your ID card upon entrance.
- Consistent with the government’s health messaging Monash has communicated to all staff and students, it is essential that all staff and students who are feeling unwell do not come to campus.
- Schools and Units are to reinforce this message in all correspondence with staff and students.
- Posters to reinforce this message have been placed at the main entrance and a similar message is displayed on LCD screens around the campus.
Physical distancing
Physical distancing is encouraged where possible, especially when not wearing a mask.
Face coverings
It remains a requirement to carry a face mask.
Personal hygiene
Monash University has deployed hand sanitiser stations across all its campuses and buildings to ensure all staff and students have multiple opportunities to hand sanitise when entering a building or workspace and during their activities on campus. These include stations at the entrance to buildings, entry and exits of lifts, main stair landings and in office, laboratory and teaching spaces.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
What should you do if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?
Step 1:
DO NOT come to campus.
Step 2:
Consult your health professional and get tested for COVID-19.
Step 3:
Report your test result and follow all the instructions in MySejahtera.
Step 4:
If you test positive, refer to the next section, “If you have tested positive for COVID-19.” and follow the instructions listed.
If you test negative but still feel ill or have symptoms, DO NOT come to campus until you are free of any symptoms for at least 24 hours.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19
What should you do if you have tested positive for COVID-19?
Step 1:
DO NOT come to campus.
Report your test result immediately via MySejahtera, ensuring that you follow all the necessary steps.
Report your test result to Monash University Malaysia (MUM) immediately by completing this form.
Step 2:
Isolate yourself at home as per the Home Surveillance Order (HSO) in MySejahtera and follow all the instructions in MySejahtera.
Step 3:
If you are a staff member who has on-campus teaching responsibilities:
- Inform your supervisor. Your School should make alternative arrangements (another educator is preferred) for other classes you would be teaching during the required days of isolation.
- If no alternative educator is available, the Vice President (Education) can approve the class/es to pivot fully online.
- If numbers in any campus classes at any time become too small for an on-campus activity, the Vice President (Education) can approve the class to pivot fully online for a period of time.
If you are a student:
- Contact your lecturers to inform them you will need to self isolate and seek their advice on alternative arrangements for the on-campus activities that will be affected during your self-isolation period.
- All expectations and guidelines for pre-class activities will be indicated in your unit Moodle sites. If your health permits, you may continue with your learning activities while in quarantine.
- You can apply for Special Consideration if you require more time to submit assessment tasks due to COVID-19 induced illness.
Note for international students: attendance requirements
- The Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia requires international students to maintain an overall minimum 80% attendance at all times as a condition of student pass renewal. This condition applies to all enrolled international students, including if you are currently overseas or studying online.
- If you are unable to come to campus due to a COVID-19 induced absence, you may continue with your learning activities online if your health permits and record your attendance.
- If you are unable to participate in learning and teaching activities available in Moodle due to a COVID-19 induced illness or while in isolation, you must submit a medical certificate or relevant document as evidence for your absence (eg screenshot of MySejahtera), or you will be recorded as absent. If recorded as absent, this will impact your attendance rate and, subsequently, student pass renewal. The evidence must be submitted to the Attendance Coordinator at mum.attendance@monash.edu within 10 days of the teaching activity through the aPlus+ attendance recording system (refer to the user guide here).
COVID-19 Safe Plan View
General information
The health and safety of the Monash community is the highest priority. Monash is committed to protecting the Monash community from the transmission of COVID-19 and has developed a nine-pillar risk control strategy, in line with the government’s health directions and advice. The nine strategies work together to protect the staff, students and visitors to the University and are applied to the diverse range of spaces and activities the University undertakes. The plan is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the changing stages of the pandemic and health directions.
Monash COVID Safe Strategies
- Come to campus well
- Physical distancing
- Face mask
- Personal hygiene
- Increased cleaning
- Well-ventilated spaces
- Positive case management
- Work arrangement
- Vaccinations
Increased cleaning
- Monash has developed a new campus cleaning regime increasing the cleaning on all campuses and sites to incorporate the extensive cleaning guidelines.
- Monash has secured sufficient supply of all cleaning products and has increased the products held on site to manage peak demands.
- Routine inspections are undertaken to ensure the quality of the cleaning is maintained.
- All areas of the University have undertaken risk assessments of their activities and this assessment includes the identification of items that are shared between people. Where possible, these items have been replaced with alternatives methods or processes.
Well ventilated spaces
- The University’s ACMV systems have been adjusted to maximise the fresh air intake and increase the number of air changes in buildings. The large centralised ACMV systems have been programmed to provide daily full fresh air purges of buildings.
- The ACMV system undergoes scheduled maintenance activities for its components and system controls including filter systems which are regularly maintained and changed to ensure effective filtration.
- A range of outdoor spaces has been used as a waiting area to control indoor social crowding.
- If possible, while working within Monash work area and spaces it’s highly recommended to open doors and windows as much as we can to allow more fresh air to move inside.
- Monash adopts the ventilation system guides and recommendations from the Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
Positive case management
A COVID-19 operational team has been established and meets regularly to assess and manage the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the University’s business.
A detailed management plan has been developed for a positive or suspected case of COVID-19. The plan includes:
- Reporting procedures for staff and student
- Engagement with the Ministry of Health of Malaysia (MoH)
- Management of internal communications, cleaning and building access
- Reporting and monitoring
Refer to COVID-19 Campus Standard Operating Procedures for more details.
Vaccinations
Though not a mandatory requirement for campus access, the University will continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated to protect their health and the health of the broader Monash community.
For COVID-19 emergencies, contact OHSE at +603 5514 6025 / 46156 / 46084 / 44415 from 8am - 6pm and email to C19ohse@monash.edu beyond these hours. If you have any general feedback, please send your email to mum-feedback@monash.edu.
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