Warrumbul Lodge has been placed into quarantine effective immediately.
This comes as everyone in the building has been classified as casual contacts. Residents have been offered to be bussed to a testing site tomorrow.
11:54AM SUNDAY 22 AUGUST
ACT Health has confirmed that there are no exposure sites at the ANU.
CASE UPDATE: 11:45AM SUNDAY 22 AUGUST
The ACT has recorded 19 cases overnight. 17 cases are linked, and 2 remain under investigation. Only 6 cases were infectious in the community.
11:00AM SUNDAY 22 AUGUST
NSW has recorded 830 new cases of COVID-19. The State has recorded 3 deaths overnight.
9:22PM SATURDAY 21 AUGUST
VC Brian Schmidt has confirmed that there is a positive case of COVID-19 at the ANU. He stated that the ANU is “in contact with all those directly affected and are working closely with ACT Health to follow the relevant protocols”. He has asked that the community “respect the privacy of those affected”.
9:10PM SATURDAY 21 AUGUST
Warrumbul Lodge has notified students that a resident has tested positive to COVID-19.
12:40PM SATURDAY 21 AUGUST
Lockdown protests are happening in Sydney and Melbourne. There is enhanced police presence in the areas.
11:53AM SATURDAY 21 AUGUST
Out of the 102 active cases in the ACT, 100 of these are linked to current cases or exposure sites.
11:50AM SATURDAY 21 AUGUST
Chief Minister Andrew Barr has announced that Floriade will not be going ahead.
CASE UPDATE: 11:45AM SATURDAY 21 AUGUST
The ACT has recorded 8 cases overnight bringing the number of active COVID-19 cases in the territory to 102. All cases are linked to existing cases and exposure sites.
11:15AM SATURDAY 21 AUGUST
Students are reminded to continue checking the exposure sites in the ACT as more are identified in Belconnen.
11:00AM SATURDAY 21 AUGUST
A record number of 825 cases have been recorded in NSW, and there have been 3 deaths overnight. This brings the total number of fatalities since the start of the pandemic to 124 in NSW.
6:20PM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
Different rules and instructions are being released to residential halls following the down-grade of the campus alert system from ‘Alert Red’ – ‘Extreme Risk’ to ‘Alert Orange’ – ‘High Risk’.
5:50PM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
The ANU has released its “University COVID-19 Protocols for Residential Facilities” that details the “management of students in student accommodation during ACT lockdown”, and includes a guide to the levels of restriction. You can find it here. 
4:30PM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
VC Brian Schmidt has announced a ‘Student Safety Net Package’ that includes:
“the implementation of the CRS/CRN grading system for semester two, an extension to the census date to 14 September 2021, more flexibility for students to provide alternative documentation for medical certification, and replacing WN grade with WD until 3 November 2021”.
4:20PM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
ANU VC Brian Schmidt has announced that the campus alert system will drop down from ‘Alert Red’ – ‘Extreme Risk’ to ‘Alert Orange’ – ‘High Risk’. This will be reassessed on Monday.
2:38PM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
The National Recovery and Resilience Agency has confirmed with Woroni that if “ANU students are prevented from working because of an order imposed by the University, they may be eligible for the [Disaster] payment.” Woroni will have a full article soon regarding how students can apply for these payments.
2:19PM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
Many people are still noting significant wait times for Coles and Woolworths home deliveries. Chief Minister Andrew Barr has shared a list of local companies that are also delivering:
12:58PM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
12:35PM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
Back on campus, and PARSA President Eve Walker has released a form for Postgraduate Students to complete if they are in need of essential items while in isolation. PARSA will be completing deliveries in the coming days for those in need.
12:22PM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
The Chief Health Officer has said that they expect the number of exposure sites will fall as the effects of the lockdown come in. They will also begin publishing how many cases were infectious in the community.
Currently, there are over 25’000 close and casual contacts in the ACT.
12:05PM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
The Chief Minister says he expects the ACT to achieve well above 80% vaccination, a key factor in deciding on the timeline of easing restrictions.
12:01PM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
The number of cases linked to Fiction Night Club is 13, and Assembly Bar is 3.
11:53AM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
Chief Minister Barr has also reminded Canberrans that applications are now open for the Disaster Payments via Services Australia. If people are unsure whether they qualify, they are encouraged to contact Services Australia or their employer.
11:50AM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
Chief Minister Andrew Barr says that the ACT is working on opening the AIS for mass vaccinations, particularly for 16-29 year olds, but says the “thing that is holding us back” is vaccine supply. He hopes to have more details next week.
CASE UPDATE: 11:45AM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
The ACT has recorded 12 cases overnight bringing the number of active COVID-19 cases in the territory to 94. 11 are linked to existing cases and exposure sites.
10:52AM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
Residents in Wamburun Hall and Johns College have been informed they are out of SAHO quarantine and now move to the Enhanced SAHO restrictions. This is a slight change in restrictions but a significant difference is that residents are able to attend their vaccination appointments. Residents should confirm all restrictions with their respective halls.
10:47AM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
ACT Health is regularly updating the exposure sites. The most recent update includes Dickson Woolworths, Fyshwick Officeworks and a number of public transport routes.
10:40AM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
ABC Canberra has an awesome update regarding waiting times at various clinics across the ACT:
10:20AM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
A vaccine update for the ACT, and the Canberra Times is reporting there has been a surge in young people getting the AstraZeneca vaccine. Currently, 57% of the eligible population of the ACT has received their first dose.
10AM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
Good morning ANU and welcome to Day 8! Here’s a quick wrap up of the state of play.
The ACT currently has 83 active cases. We’re expecting the numbers for today at the 11:45am press conference.
The ANU is currently at Extreme Alert Risk although a decision may come down today to reduce this.
This alert level places all halls in an Enhanced SAHO – for specific details regarding the rules at your hall, speak to your administration.
And finally, ANUSA and PARSA are working on concessions for academic leniency for ANU students.
Make sure you refresh this page for all the latest updates!
9:45AM FRIDAY 20 AUGUST
This morning, B&G residents were notified that they are now able to leave “enhanced” SAHO to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. This comes after many residents, including those with underlying health conditions and Senior Residents, complained they were being put at risk by being forced to remain unvaccinated.
6:10PM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
From tonight, B&G is included in the catering program. Dinner will be provided tonight, and residents will be provided with breakfast in the morning. This will continue over the weekend.
5:00PM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
ACT Health has provided the ANU with a link to get access to masks in bulk orders here. Off campus students may also access mask delivery through ANUSA, through the food delivery service.
4:50PM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
The ANU has revealed that the black ANU masks handed out to the community are not formal PPE. The ANU masks were produced as free giveaways at the start of 2021 to “remind students of the importance of wearing a mask when required”.
3:45PM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that all 16-39 year olds will be eligible for vaccines from August 30. The Federal Government will advise people in this age group when they will be able to book their vaccine.
3:18PM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
ACT Health has released new and updated exposure locations, including Dickson Woolworths and Fyshwick KFC.
2:00PM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
ANUSA has been advocating for a one week pause on teaching and assessments, a blanket extension on assessments and a postponement of the census date.
The Academic Board will meet on Tuesday 24 August to finalise their decision on academic leniency.
1:55PM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
From 8am tomorrow, Canberrans may start claiming disaster payments of up to $750 to reflect lost work during the ACT lockdown.
1:45PM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
The University is regularly updating its FAQ with information for staff and students, both on and off campus. Students are encouraged to contact the COVID Response Office and their respective halls.
12:45PM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
The petition calling for ANU to introduce a study pause has now reached over 4’000 signatures. A decision regarding academic leniency is expected in the next week.
12:19PM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
13 cases are linked to the Fiction Nightclub, 2 cases linked to Assembly Bar. ACT Health also says that cases are still infectious in the community due to only being in lockdown for seven days.
12:15PM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
Chief Minister Andrew Barr expects a gradual easing of restrictions after this lockdown, stating that the ACT cannot “snap-back” to how things were before the virus arrived in the Territory.
11:53AM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
There are close to 3 dozen close contacts at the ANU and over 100 staff and students in some form of quarantine. These figures are subject to change and are correct as of 8pm last night.
11:50AM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
There are currently over 21,000 people in the ACT that are in quarantine, and a record number of tests (8796) were undertaken yesterday.
CASE UPDATE: 11:45AM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
The ACT has recorded 16 cases overnight bringing the number of active COVID-19 cases in the territory to 83.
11:00AM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
NSW has recorded 681 new cases of COVID-19 and 1 death overnight. 59 of these cases were infectious in the community. The number of new cases in the ACT is expected to be released just ahead of Andrew Barr’s press conference at 11:45am.
9:30AM THURSDAY 19 AUGUST
The ABC Canberra has made a handy chart that demonstrates the case numbers by age and sex using data from ACT Health. These figures don’t come as a surprise given the number of schools that have been affected by the outbreak.
7:35PM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
An important update from ACT Health came through via Twitter. The Tooth Fairy is considered an essential worker and is still allowed to visit but it must be recorded on the Check In Canberra app. Good to know for all the first years.
7:00PM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
Derrick Appel, organiser of “ANU To Have Teaching Break” petition has sent an email to Professor Leach (Chair of Academic Board) to call for a meeting that would decide upon the results of the petition by COB this Friday. At this stage, the Academic Board is meeting on Tuesday 24 August, however Appel claims that this is too late.
5:30PM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
ANUSA is looking to deliver off-campus students with food and essentials to their door if they are unable to leave the house or are in need of food supplies. You can find more information here.
4:50PM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
Drive Through COVID-19 Testing Clinic at Brindabella Business Park in the Canberra Airport: 2+ hours Drive Through COVID-19 Testing at Exhibition Park in Canberra: 3+ hours Drive Through COVID-19 Testing at Kambah: Closes at 4pm each day Weston Creek Walk-in Centre COVID-19 Testing Clinic: 1 hour4:45PM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
The ANU has released a guide for FAQ related to the COVID-19 situation on campus. You can find this here.
3:45PM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
“ANU To Have Teaching Break” petition organiser Derrick Appel has sent an email to Deputy VC Professor Venville and VC Professor Schmidt in response to the lack of action taken by the University to address student concerns. Appel stated that this “outbreak has had a significant impact on every student and staff member of the ANU”, and that “the burden of classes is too much to bear on top of all these stresses”.
Appel is calling for an immediate teaching break, that includes the postponement of Census Day so that students are able to transition into online learning once again.
2:40PM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
The ANU has announced that it is providing residents in three residences (Wamburun Hall, Fenner Hall and Toad Hall) with breakfast, snacks, fruit, and dinner.
2:20PM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
An ANU Spokesperson told Woroni that in order to ensure residents were able to receive supplies during the rapidly evolving COVID situation, SRs were “asked to assist with deliveries in their residences.” They stated that the ANU is “extremely grateful to those SRs who provided immediate assistance and made sure that their fellow residents received these supplies,” and acknowledged the vital role SRs have in their residences. You can find more here.
12:30PM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
According to Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith, the median age of COVID-19 cases in the ACT is 19.5. Almost half of all COVID-19 cases in the ACT are under 20, the youngest 3 years old. The oldest positive case in Canberra is 67 years old.
12:15PM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
Students at the ANU are eligible to get AstraZeneca. The closest vaccination hubs for students are the National Health Co-Op at the ANU, the University Pharmacy or Hobart Place GP. You can find out more information and check your eligibility here.
12:00PM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
Of the 67 active cases in the ACT, only 4 remain unlinked and under investigation. Andrew Barr has confirmed the ACT now has 12,500 people in quarantine, just under 3% of the territory’s population.
CASE UPDATE: 11:45AM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
The ACT has recorded 22 cases overnight bringing the number of active COVID-19 cases in the territory to 67.
11:06AM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
NSW has recorded 633 new cases of COVID-19 and 3 deaths overnight. The number of new cases in the ACT is expected to be released just ahead of Andrew Barr’s press conference at 11:45am.
11:00AM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
This is what the EPIC testing site looks like today via the ABC. Andrew Barr is scheduled to speak at 11:45 am.
10:25AM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
Residents at Graduate House have been told they are not to “go shopping off-campus” while the campus alert is at the ‘extreme level’, leaving Daily Mart their only source of groceries.
10:20AM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
A petition directed to VC Brian Schmidt which calls for an “immediate teaching break in response to the Canberra COVID019 outbreak” has received over 3,200 signatures within 12 hours of going live. Woroni spoke to B&G Senior Residents last night who are protesting their treatment during this outbreak including the lack of academic support and concessions from the ANU.
10:00AM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
New exposure sites were listed by ACT Health last night including new exposure times at Capital Chemist O’Connor, Coles Manuka and Woolworths Dickson. For the times and full list of exposure sites visit the ACT Health website.
9:30AM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
A reminder to any student struggling, ANUSA offers financial and welfare support to students including assistance with groceries, grants and emergency accommodation. Furthermore, the ACT Government is providing free food and essential items to people in need during the lockdown. For more information, please visit ANUSA’s website here, or call VolunteeringACT on 1800 43 11 33.
9:30AM WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST
ANUSA has called a Special General Meeting for August 24 at 6pm to allow the movement of more money to its financial assistance programs.
5:40PM TUESDAY 17 AUGUST
The ANU has announced that it is “working with ANUSA and PARSA to work out” whether the CRS/CRN system can be implemented for students this semester.
5:25PM TUESDAY 17 AUGUST
Residents of Burton & Garran Hall have just been informed that they will be entering ‘Enhanced Stay-at-Home Orders’, however this will only remain in place until Thursday 19 August.
5:17PM TUESDAY 17 AUGUST
A petition has started calling for the ANU to implement “an immediate teaching break in response to the Canberra COVID-19 outbreak”. The reasons for the petition can be found here.
5:15PM TUESDAY 17 AUGUST
The University of Canberra has also gone on a ‘transitionary’ break until Friday. The ANU and the Australian Catholic University remain the only ACT universities that are not implementing a teaching pause.
4:10PM TUESDAY 17 AUGUST
The ANU has formally moved the University to the highest level of the COVID-safe campus system, alert Red – Extreme Risk.
3:00PM TUESDAY 17 AUGUST
ANU Deputy VC Professor Ian Anderson has announced that all residences will be moving to ‘Enhanced Stay-at-Home Orders’. Each residence will have a different set of arrangements and restrictions in place, however all residents will be required to move in ‘bubbles’, wear a mask at all times outside their room, and follow other COVID-19 safe behaviours. The ‘Enhanced Stay-at-Home Orders’ will remain in place until Friday 20 August.
2:06PM TUESDAY 17 AUGUST
Meanwhile, CIT has just announced a week-long teaching pause following the news of exposure locations at their campuses. Classes are set to resume next Tuesday the 24th of August.
The ANU confirmed with Woroni that it would not introduce a teaching pause. The full article is available here.
2PM TUESDAY 17 AUGUST
ANUSA President, Madhu Janagaraja has asked students to sign a petition to call for a Special General Meeting to allow ANUSA to transfer additional funds to their emergency grants.
11:45AM TUESDAY 17 AUGUST
The ACT has recorded 17 new cases of COVID-19 acquired locally in the ACT overnight. This brings the number of active locally acquired cases in the ACT to 45.
11:30AM TUESDAY 17 AUGUST
Wright Hall has re-entered lockdown as two residents have been announced as close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Woroni, Woroni Radio and Woroni TV are created, edited, published, printed and distributed. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge that the name Woroni was taken from the Wadi Wadi Nation without permission, and we are striving to do better for future reconciliation.