PANDEMIC TIMELINE
NEWS & CAMPAIGNS
COVID-19 & higher education: a timeline Although New Year's Eve 2019 seems like a lifetime away, it’s only been a few months and look what’s happened! NYE was when China first reported a cluster of 41 cases of pneumonia in Wuhan. Here is a potted timeline of what's happened since then.
JANUARY 2020
MARCH 2020
11 First death from COVID-19 recorded in China.
1 First recorded death from COVID-19 in Australia.
13 First case of COVID-19 outside of China recorded in Thailand.
10 NTEU launches COVID-19 website.
FEBRUARY 2020 1 Australia bans entry to all peoplecoming from China, except citizens and permanent residents, preventing many international students from reaching Australia. 2 First death from COVID-19 outside of China, in the Philippines. NTEU COVID-19 scorecard for WA universities
10 NTEU writes to all vice-chancellors raising concerns about workplace health and safety, workloads, maintaining work for casual staff, and racism on campuses. 14 NTEU writes to Education Minister calling for a support package. 27 Australian Government declares that COVID-19 will become a global pandemic.
Michael Evans National Organiser (Media & Engagement)
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During this time, universities were scrambling to get as many courses as possible ready for online delivery.
Sentry
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may 2020
11 WHO declares a pandemic. 12 Government announces first stimulus package, with no relief for casual workers or the higher education sector. 16 NTEU waives three months dues for all casual members. 16 NTEU launches scorecards displaying how Vic universities are looking after staff and slowing the spread of COVID-19. All states and territories covered in following days. By the end of March, 28 universities had committed to at least a minimum 10 days special leave to cover isolation periods, including for casual staff. 18 Australian Government introduces an indefinite international travel ban. 19 NTEU launches sector-wide petition calling on vice-chancellors to guarantee paid leave for all staff if affected by COVID-19.
