Lincoln University continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving developments surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. The health, safety, and wellbeing of all our students and our staff is our top priority. We want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to help those affected to continue with their studies.
Latest information update - 24 February 2020
The New Zealand Government has extended the travel restrictions for foreign travellers to Tuesday 3 March 2020. The restrictions apply to any foreigners who have been present in, or transited through, mainland China 14 days prior to them departing for New Zealand. This decision will be reviewed every 48 hours and the Government will decide on or before 3 March whether the travel restrictions need to remain in place.
Go to Lincoln’s Advice on Coronavirus Outbreak webpage >>>
The University continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak
The health, safety, and wellbeing of all our students and our staff is our top priority. We want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to help those affected to continue with their studies.
Currently, no cases of the virus have been detected in New Zealand. Should the situation change, Lincoln University has the necessary plans in place to respond, as with the outbreak of any infectious disease.
Lincoln University has been in contact with all students. If you are affected by the travel ban, or you have any questions or concerns about your specific study situation, please get in touch with us. Email us at SAFELU@Lincoln.ac.nz so as we can support you.
What is COVID-19?
Recently, an outbreak of a new coronavirus disease now called COVID-19 (sometimes called novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) was identified. Coronaviruses are a large and diverse family of viruses which cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). New Zealand is prepared and ready to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak should it occur here. The risk of an ongoing outbreak is low-moderate, but we are monitoring the situation closely. See MOH health advice for general public.
What is Lincoln University doing about the virus?
The health and safety of our students and staff is a priority. The University continues to closely monitor the situation and follow the recommendations of the MOH, MOE and INZ. Lincoln University has been in contact with all students and staff to ensure that everyone has access to the latest advice. This includes contact with students and staff in China. The University has the necessary plans in place to respond, as with the outbreak of any infectious disease.
All students and staff are encouraged to download the SAFELU app, and stay in touch. The app will be used to communicate information about emergencies and provide emergency procedures, safety details and contacts.
Advice for staff and students on campus
Currently, no cases of the virus have been detected in New Zealand. Recommended steps to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses include maintaining basic hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices and avoiding close contact (when possible) with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or a hand sanitiser
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue (rather than onto your hands), and bin used tissues
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and a cough
- Stay off campus if you have flu-like symptoms
Download the University’s SAFELU app, and stay in touch
The SAFELU app will be used to communicate information about emergencies and provide emergency procedures, safety details, and contacts.
