COVID-19 in 2021

St Andrew’s College developed and administrated an effective COVID-safe response in 2020 to allow students and staff to safely return to College. ‘

Conditions are subject to change as the year progresses, and as NSW Health guidelines continue to be reshaped to reflect current circumstances.

While vaccines are under development, it is not clear when vaccination will be universally available for College staff and students. As a result, it is likely that COVID restrictions will need to continue in College for 2021.

Social distancing, capacity limits on people in all rooms, the provision of hand sanitiser and reiterating the importance of good hand hygiene will continue. Our COVID-19 guidelines and expectations for the academic year are formed under the guidance of our Vice Principal Dr Hester Wilson.

Current NSW Health rules include physical distancing of 2sqm for all of our facilities (i.e. maximum of 6 people in a bedroom; 186 – including High Table – in Dining Hall.) These numbers will be reflected in signage for each room to avoid uncertainty.

College will have a contingency plan for the isolation of students in 2021, should it be required. The plan will include using a combination of onsite ensuite and hotel isolation options. Students with ensuite rooms will be able to isolate inside with College support, however those who rely on the use of shared bathroom facilities will be isolated at Rydges Camperdown, very close to our campus.

Our terrific Pastoral Care Leaders will continue in their role as trained COVID first responders.

All eligible students should be required to be vaccinated with the new 2021 influenza vaccination when it becomes available and College should request documentation that this has been carried out.

The importance of the ongoing need for compliance to keep us all safe and keep College open will continue to be emphasised. There will be severe consequences for individuals who repeatedly breach the terms and conditions of living in College during the pandemic.