COVID19 Response

As you would be aware, the Victorian Premier has announced an increase of the public health restrictions to Stage 4 in the Melbourne metropolitan area, and Stage 3 for all of Victoria including Mitchell Shire. This means that from 11.59 PM on Wednesday 5th August, these additional measures which will apply in Melbourne Metro until at least 13 September:

• Curfew from 8pm to 5am: only leave home if you must do so for work, or to receive or give care
• Shopping for essential items allowed by one person in your household once per day within 5km of your home
• Exercise allowed once per day within 5km of your home, no group larger than 2
• Schools to return to remote learning for all students from Wednesday except where parents absolutely must go to work

The intention of this increase is to further limit the movement of people in public spaces and thereby minimise the risk of transmission of the virus. In light of this intention, the Thomas Carr Centre will fully close from 11.59 PM Wednesday 5th August to all staff and students. Reception services, mail delivery and essential services will be managed remotely.

This increase of restrictions does not interfere with your learning and research this semester, and online delivery of your course continues with all lecturers and students, researchers and supervisors continuing to work from home, as we have been since mid-March.

We had all been hoping to avoid greater restrictions and that some in-person classes would be possible this semester. Staff and students are missing the interaction of face to face learning, and sharing the journey of study through the semester. Discussions in the common rooms, the Library, sitting in the garden or passing on the stairs, are an important part of the learning that happens at CTC.

The Stage 4 restrictions bring an added burden to many of you, your families and religious congregations. For some, loss of employment, financial insecurity, and increased mental health pressures will make study very challenging this semester. Please prioritise the physical and mental health of yourself and others, and do not hesitate to contact the Academic Dean, Postgraduate Coordinator or Research Coordinator if you need to discuss your study progress. Seminarians should discuss regularly their study progress with their respective Dean of Studies.

Most importantly, we keep each other in prayer, and extend our prayers to all those who are suffering around the world due to the effects of this pandemic.

Loving God, we come to you full of anxiety about what may happen in the coming days and weeks. Shower us with the peace Jesus promised to his disciples, and make us into steady pillars for those around us. In this time of uncertainty and epidemic, wake us up to the reminder that we are not alone.

Even as we are asked to keep our distance from others, help us to find ways to reach out to those who need our support. We pray especially for those whose incomes and livelihoods are threatened. For those already isolated, lonely and scared. Loving God, give them your peace, and through our hands ensure they have what they need.

Sustain, strengthen and protect all caregivers. Bless them as they offer compassionate care and show selfless courage in the face of risk.

Remind us, each time we wash our hands, that in our baptism you call us to let go of our fears and live in joy, peace, and hope.

Amen.
(From the Catholic Health Association of the United States)

Due to the closure of the Thomas Carr Centre, the Click & Collect and Book Return services that Mannix Library have provided over recent months will be suspended during the Stage 4 restrictions. Of course, the Library staff continue to provide library resources and support for your coursework studies and HDR research. For information visit the Mannix Library website and to contact library staff email

If you become unwell, or suspect you may have come in contact with the virus, please phone your doctor or clinic and follow their advice. Please inform the Assistant Dean, John Bartholomeusz of your condition, and he will liaise with the Deans and your lecturers to support you in continuing with your study when you are able.