An update from the Chief Operating Officer – COVID Pathway to 2022 and the end of year shutdown
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Dear colleagues
COVID Pathway to 2022
I'm very pleased to bring you significant updates this week on our pathway to a COVID-normal campus.
I note that yesterday the ACT Government announced they will bring forward further easing of restrictions to this coming Friday.
These changes are unlikely to impact our overall Pathway plans as we are focussed on a gradual ramp up towards 2022. Changes to mask requirements and relaxed density limits will however change how our workspaces look in the immediate term. You should follow your local area’s advice and revised COVID-Safe plan in relation to whether these changes will impact you.
I've outlined our major changes below and would encourage you to read through these updates in full on the website.
Travel
- University related domestic travel and international travel to DFAT advice level 1 and 2 countries can recommence from today. Normal approval delegations will apply, with risk assessments required for all travel. More details here.
Building ventilation
- Improvements to ventilation to ensure there is more fresh air in campus buildings will be implemented over the coming months and into 2022. More details here.
Events and functions
- Small-scale events and functions for staff and student attendees can recommence on campus from Monday 15 November. Events with larger capacity and some external guests can recommence from Friday 26 November. We are planning for a full return to on campus events from 2022. Read more here.
Taking care when in the office
If you are returning to work on campus in the coming days and weeks, please take extra care when navigating to your office, returning equipment and using facilities. You have probably become accustomed to a very different workspace and your intuitive ‘mind map’ of your environment may have changed. This can result in slips, trips and falls so please take care.
2021 shutdown period
This year's shutdown period will include an additional ex gratia day off on Friday 24 December. Shutdown will run from that day until the University re-opens on Tuesday 4 January 2022.
If you can have extra leave at that time, taking four days of leave both sides of the shutdown will give you 23 consecutive days off. I will certainly be taking the opportunity to rest and enjoy time with family and I would encourage you to do the same, ready for a great 2022.
While taking a break during this period is possible for many of us, I understand that some in our community have roles where taking leave at that time is not an option. Thanks to all the hardworking staff who will keep our University functioning over this period.
Keep checking On&Off Campus for further updates in the coming weeks and if you have any questions in the meantime, please email COVID.pathway@anu.edu.au.
Take care,
Paul
Paul Duldig
Chief Operating Officer |
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2021 Chancellor's and Vice-Chancellor's Awards
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Tuesday 23 November 2021, 6.30-8pm
Our Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor are bringing our staff community together to say thank you and to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of many in 2021.
Join us in celebrating our awardees |
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ANU thrives at ACT Mental Health Month Awards
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ANU Thrive, which aims to promote student wellbeing, social inclusion, and better mental health practices, has won the Mentally Healthy Community Award at this year's ACT Mental Health Month Awards.
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| Josh Yeend, Peer Educator and Tamara McGregor, Wellbeing Assistant from ANU Thrive with Dr James Brann, Director of University Experiences at ANU (left to right). Image: supplied |
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Major cash boost for crucial ANU medical research
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ANU researchers have been awarded nearly $5 million in grants to carry out six projects that could help solve major health challenges, including offering more effective treatments for cancer, kidney disease and depression.
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