Latest updates

TAFE SA will be extending our mid-semester break (previously 9 to 27 April 2020) to start 30 March 2020. We will resume delivery of courses on 27 April 2020.

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The Communicable Disease Control Branch of SA Health has advised of the need to proactively close all education services in and between the towns of Nuriootpa, Tanunda, Angaston, Lyndoch and Williamstown from Monday 30 March.  

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CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)

The health and wellbeing of students and staff is our top priority.

We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation.  The state, federal and international response to the virus is informing our response to ensure we are providing a safe environment for students and staff.  

We are committed to keeping students and staff updated and informed. Please see our FAQs and information for stakeholders.

All students and staff are encouraged to follow the advice of government health authorities to help ensure the safety of everyone and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Our Workplace Health and Safety team are monitoring the changing situation daily to ensure we all have access to the latest information to make informed decisions.

In addition, our Resilience Management Team meets daily (and more often as required) to assess the current COVID-19 situation and determine the latest developments and actions we are taking as an organisation. 

If there is any action required from students, you will be advised immediately.



  • FAQs

    • How is TAFE SA responding to the COVID-19 situation?

      We are closely monitoring the state, federal and international response. Our Workplace, Health and Safety team is continually checking the latest information to ensure we make informed decisions. We have formed a Resilience Management Team that meets daily (and more often as required) to assess the current COVID-19 situation to determine the actions we need to take as an organisation.

    • What precautions are being taken by TAFE SA to provide a safe environment for students?

      The health and wellbeing of students and staff is our top priority, so we have taken the following precautions:

      • Limited gatherings – we are limiting the size of gatherings at TAFE SA campuses to no greater than class size, cancelling non-essential events and encouraging virtual meetings over face-to-face meetings.

      • Increased cleaning -- we have increased the frequency of cleaning at all TAFE SA campuses to ensure there is a safe environment for students and staff.

      • Increased signage – There is increased signage at each campus to illustrate the appropriate hygiene actions that should be taken by students and staff.

      The TAFE SA Resilience Management Team is considering all the options of how we will respond to the various situations that may emerge and may implement further initiatives.

      All students are encouraged to follow the advice of government health authorities to help ensure your safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

    • I am unwell. Can I still come to class?

      We ask students who are unwell to please not attend class.

      All students and staff are encouraged to follow the advice of government health authorities to help ensure the safety of everyone and prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you have travelled anywhere overseas in the past 14 days and have COVID-19 symptoms, contact your GP (advise your GP of your travel history and symptoms) and isolate yourself.

      If you have NOT travelled overseas recently, but are feeling unwell, visit your usual health care provider. Students should obtain a Medical Certificate where possible. Avoid contact with others if you are unwell.

      Email or phone your lecturer to discuss study options during any absences. If additional information is needed or you would like to discuss options with a TAFE SA Counsellor, please contact the TAFE SA Customer Support Contact Team on 1800 882 661 or email info@tafesa.edu.au.

    • I am required to self-isolate. What do I do about my studies?

      Students who are unable to attend classes because they are required to self-isolate or in quarantine should email or phone their lecturer to discuss study options. If additional information is needed or you would like to discuss options with a TAFE SA Counsellor, please contact the TAFE SA Customer Support Contact Team on 1800 882 661 or email info@tafesa.edu.au.

    • I have an underlying medical condition and /or vulnerable family members and feel uncomfortable attending class because of the risk of COVID-19. What do I do?

      We appreciate your concerns and wish to reassure you that TAFE SA Workplace Health and Safety is providing guidance to lecturers and support staff to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of students as well as staff.

      We understand the special concerns of people with underlying medical conditions and encourage students to adhere to the latest advice issued by government health authorities.

      If you feel uncomfortable travelling to or attending class, you can email or phone your lecturer to find out about your study options. If you need additional information or would like to discuss options with a TAFE SA counsellor, please contact the TAFE SA Customer Support Contact Team on 1800 882 661 to arrange a phone appointment or email info@tafesa.edu.au.

      For further information about COVID-19, you can contact the Australian Government Coronavirus Health Information Line ON 1800 020 080 or visit the SA Health Website.

    • The only way I can get to TAFE SA is via public transportation and I have an underlying medical condition/vulnerable family members.

      We appreciate your concerns and wish to reassure you that TAFE SA Workplace Health and Safety is providing guidance to lecturers and support staff to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of students as well as staff.

      We understand the special concerns of people with underlying medical conditions and encourage students to adhere to the latest advice issued by government health authorities.

      If you feel uncomfortable travelling to or attending class, you can email or phone your lecturer to find out about your study options. If you need additional information or would like to discuss options with a TAFE SA counsellor, please contact the TAFE SA Customer Support Contact Team on 1800 882 661 to arrange a phone appointment or email info@tafesa.edu.au.

      For further information about COVID-19, you can contact the Australian Government Coronavirus Health Information Line ON 1800 020 080 or visit the SA Health Website.

    • What happens if someone in my class becomes infected with COVID-19?

      COVID-19 is a notifiable illness, meaning that medical practitioners and diagnostic laboratories are required to notify SA Health of cases. In the event of a student or staff member coming into close contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19, they will be contacted by SA Health authorities and must isolate for 14 days from the date of last contact with the confirmed case.

    • How can I help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

      Practising good hand hygiene and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses.

      This includes:

      • Regularly cleaning your hands. Use soap and thoroughly wash hands in warm water using a rubbing action (front, back and between the fingers) for 20 seconds and rinse off soap and residue. If soap and running water is not available use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with a minimum of 60% alcohol.

      • When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or use a clean tissue – remember to throw tissues away immediately in an appropriate waste container and wash your hands (as above).

      • If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, avoid close contact with others and seek medical attention early by phoning your GP and explaining your symptoms and travel history.

    • Can I defer my studies and my tuition fees if I am uncomfortable continuing with my classes because of COVID-19 risks?

      TAFE SA is undertaking a range of measures to reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission at TAFE SA and at this time intends to continue to deliver classes.

      If you have individual circumstances such as family concerns, particular vulnerabilities, health issues or carer responsibilities which impact on your continued attendance, then you may apply to defer or request a refund of your fees.

      For classes which have already commenced, up to 50% refund may be available depending on your circumstances. Options to defer your enrolment to a future term and have your fees carried over may be negotiated with your Program Area or International Unit.

      The circumstances regarding fees can vary depending on your fee arrangements, e.g., International students, Subsidised Training or VET Student Loans. You are advised to discuss your circumstances with a Student Counsellor or the International Unit if you are considering withdrawing or deferring your training. Contact the TAFE SA Customer Support Contact Centre on 1800 882 661 or email info@tafesa.edu.au to arrange support.

    • What is TAFE SA doing to clean its computers?

      TAFE SA has increased the frequency of cleaning at all TAFE SA campuses to ensure there is a safe environment for students and staff. We have also increased signage at each campus to illustrate the appropriate hygiene actions that should be taken by students and staff. All students are encouraged to follow the advice of government health authorities to help ensure your safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

    • What does self-isolation mean if I do not live alone?

      The South Australian Centre for Disease Control (SACDC) advises that self-isolation does not affect any other person you live with unless they also meet the criteria above. The advice is that your family or housemates do not need to self-isolate.

      The SACDC advises those in self-isolation should not attend public places and not allow visitors to their home or residence. They should wear a surgical mask when using common areas in the house and should practice good hygiene. If the isolated person needs to go out of their home they are advised to wear a surgical mask.

    • Can I defer my studies and my tuition fees to return home to my family?

      For classes which have already commenced, depending on your circumstances unspent fees for the current semester may be deferred to the next available intake. Options to defer your enrolment to a future term and have your fees carried over may be negotiated with your Program Area or International Office.

      The circumstances regarding fees can vary depending on your fee arrangements, e.g., International students, Subsidised Training or VET Student Loans. You are advised to discuss your circumstances with a Student Counsellor or International Adviser if you are considering withdrawing or deferring your training. Contact the TAFE SA Customer Support Contact Centre on 1800 882 661 or email info@tafesa.edu.au to arrange support.

About the Virus

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with symptoms ranging from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. Spread occurs through close contact with an infected person – this is mostly face-to-face contact for prolonged periods of time.

Effective immediately, anyone returning to Australia from overseas must isolate themselves for 14 days.

The Premier has announced when returning from interstate travel you are required to self-isolate for 14 days, effective 23 March 2020.

Australian Department of Health now advise all Australians to reconsider their need for travel overseas at this time, and Australians travelling overseas are urged to return home. Travel advice is available from Australian Department of Health COVID-19 Health alerts web page.

Visit the Australian Department of Health for the latest list of isolate requirements.

If you develop mild symptoms:

  • Isolate yourself from others and use a separate bathroom if available.
  • Put on a surgical mask and if you don’t have one, practise good sneeze/cough hygiene.
  • Practise good hand hygiene.
  • Call a doctor or hospital and tell them your recent travel history.

If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing:

  • Call 000, ask for an ambulance and notify the officers of your recent travel history.

Health Direct symptom checker

Testing information

  • People who have travelled anywhere overseas in the past 14 days and have COVID-19 symptoms (especially a fever or a cough) should contact their GP or nearest hospital and seek advice on testing which may include attendance and testing at an Official COVID-19 clinic.
  • Importantly, people should call ahead first so their medical provider can prepare for their visit and advise of travel history.

  • Specialised COVID-19 clinics are now located at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Repatriation Hospital (drive through) Mt Barker, South Coast District Hospital in Victor Harbor, Whyalla (drive through) and Port Augusta (drive through). These clinics are only for people who have symptoms and have recently returned from overseas or have had contact with a known COVID-19 case.

TAFE SA has a duty of care to all staff and students to provide a safe and healthy workplace.

Take steps to stop the spread

If you are considering interstate travel please be advised that the Premier has announced a 14-day self-isolation which is in force immediately. Police border controls and checks start Tuesday, 24 March.

You are encouraged to take steps to reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading infections to other people:

  • Avoid contact with others (particularly vulnerable people such as older people and people with chronic medical conditions) if you are sick and if others are sick, keep your distance as much as possible, including avoiding kissing and shaking hands.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a clean tissue or elbow.
  • Practise good hygiene measures (wash hands regularly, particularly after going to the toilet, blowing your nose or handling used tissues).
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, or handling food, until you have washed your hands.
  • Wipe down frequently touched surfaces.

Contact TAFE SA Student Services if you need support.

We are aware this must be a worrying time, in particular for students concerned about the impact of the virus on family and friends, or impacted by quarantine or travel restrictions which are in place to minimise the spread of the virus.

If you need additional information or would like to discuss options with a TAFE SA counsellor, please contact the TAFE SA Customer Support Contact Team on 1800 882 661 to arrange a phone appointment or email.

Further Information

Australian Government Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080.

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