ANU: Bubbles in residences help prevent COVID-19 troubles

The evidence from the positive COVID-19 cases that we have had in our residences is that the bubble arrangements put in place have been successful at preventing outbreaks.

Bubble living has been a way of life for our residences since the lockdown began, and they will continue to play an important role once restrictions ease this Friday.

These arrangements have involved groups of residents in shared-living accommodation using the same facilities such as kitchens. These residents have also been able to nominate two people from within their bubble to be their buddies during lockdown, with whom they can have closer contact.

The evidence from the positive COVID-19 cases that we have had in our residences is that the bubble arrangements put in place have been successful at preventing outbreaks.

In each case, the University has worked with ACT Health to ensure affected individuals have been safely and effectively isolated and given access to care and support.

Residents in an affected individual’s bubble have been quickly identified as casual contacts. Once identified as casual contacts, these residents have been kept in quarantine, tested and released, in line with public health requirements.

Masks have also played an important role to stop the spread of the virus within residences, and will continue to be required at all times when in residences and out-and-about from this Friday.

The COVID-safe arrangements currently in place in residences will be amended from when restrictions ease in the ACT, but bubble living will remain as we transition towards COVID-normal.

Ultimately, the easing of restrictions in residences and on campus will be gradual and considered, ensuring the safety of all our people as well as the wider community, and will be carried out in line with all directions from the ACT Government and health authorities.