These announcements about health and safety may no longer be relevant due to improved situation, or because they are outdated; but have been placed in our archived files for reference. Please continue to use the Health and Safety Announcements page for the most up-to-date information.

Cyclone Yasi Hits NE Queensland

Flooding in Queensland, Australia

North & South Korea Exchange Fire

H1N1 Influenza Statement and Announcements

H1N1 Prevention Information

Safety Information for Indian Students in Australia

Fiji - Political Situation Announcement April 27, 2009

Cyclone Yasi Hits NE Queensland

February 4, 2011

UPDATE FROM AUSTRADE: Cyclone Yasi has hit and has caused a great deal of damage in Queensland. The cyclone crossed the Queensland coast about midnight Wednesday 2 February, and moved inland on Thursday 3 February. By late Thursday night it was downgraded by the Bureau of Meteorology to a tropical depression over Western Queensland. For more information, please visit http://www.qld.gov.au/cyclone/.

James Cook University Townsville and Cairns campuses have been closed this week as a result of the cyclone, but they will reopen from Monday 7 February. There has been significant damage to trees on both the major campuses of Townsville and Cairns, and some structural damage on the Townsville campus, but there was minimal damage to infrastructure. Water is back on and power has been restored to much of Townsville and Cairns (which will continue over the next day or so). Both airports - Cairns and Townsville - are open and everyone is in clean-up mode.

In terms of students arriving, all services will be up and running from Monday, 7 February. Campuses will be open, on-campus accommodation will be taking in students, and the arrival service will be operating. Given all the disruptions and the fact that some staff who live in the worst-affected areas may still have difficulties in reaching work, JCU staff members ask for your patience if things don't operate quite as quickly or as smoothly as usual.

For those wishing to help with relief efforts, donations are being accepted for the Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal, which has been extended to help those Queenslanders affected by both Cyclone Yasi and the recent flooding in Queensland. Further information is available at http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html.

February 3, 2011

9:00 am (Denver time)

Northeastern Queensland has begun cleaning up and assessing the damage from Cyclone Yasi - so far there are no reported deaths from the massive storm. We are happy to report that all of our students and staff are safe and accounted for - including 5 students and 2 staff who waited out the storm together in a shelter in Cairns. Read current article>

Due to power outages throughout NE Queensland, we have not yet received any updates from our colleagues at James Cook University. We will continue to update this page as information becomes avaialble.  

February 2, 2011

4:45 pm (Denver time)

The sun has risen in Queensland and although there are still strong winds and a lot of vegetation damage, the news it good overall as the devestation does not appear to be as bad as feared. Read more>

10:30 am (Denver time)

Flooding in Queensland, Australia

January 26, 2011

Flooding has subsided and the areas affected by the flooding have returned to business as usual.

January 19, 2011

More details about the universities affected by the flooding, current clean up efforts and campus closures/openings can be found at the Universities Australia website.   

January 13, 2011

It is being reported that the flood waters have begun to recede in Queensland. Additional information can be found using the following links and updates noted below.

For updated news and information about the flooding:
ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Latest information for traveling in the Brisbane Area
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Government Flood Information

For specific university information in affected areas, go to:
CQUniversity
Griffith University
Queensland University of Technology
University of Queensland 

We will continue to provide updates as we monitor the situation and maintain contact with our partner universities as they prepare for the commencement of the semester. At present, we do expect our February programs to carry on as scheduled.
 

January 11, 2011

Heavy rain for several weeks has caused flooding in Queensland and the northern part of New South Wales. We have been monitoring the situation, and overnight we received additional updates from our Resident Director team and a few of our partner universities.

Rockhampton, where CQUniversity is located and houses the head office of our Resident Director Team (The South Pacific Educational Support Centre), was hit over the last two weeks with significant flooding and the airport has been closed since then. CQUniversity was not hit by the flood directly and is being used as an evacuation centre at present. While the airport remains closed, it is expected that the rivers will recede and that the airport will be open again by the time the February term commences.

Due to additional rainfall in Brisbane it is expected that there will be flooding in low lying areas of Brisbane over the next few days. The University of Queensland has canceled classes for the next two days, but they have advised that “We firmly believe that the start to the semester will not be impacted and that orientation and our preparation programs will not be disrupted.” The Brisbane airport remains open and fully functional.

At present, the universities and student housing in the areas of the Gold Coast, Townsville and Cairns remain unaffected.

For those students who are at Bond University, we have been advised by the university that registration and enrolment will continue as normal. You are advised to keep updated on the latest news and weather reports, to follow safety guidelines provided by the local government, and please do not travel to affected areas.

For news and additional information about current flood warnings and conditions you can view the following articles and websites:

Queensland Government
Bureau of Meteorology
ABC News Australia

Brisbane Times
CNN
CBSNews

At this time, we are expecting that our February program will commence as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the situation.

South Korea - North & South Korea Exchange Fire - November 23, 2011

On Tuesday, Novmeber 22nd, 2010 there was an an exchange of fire between North and South Korea. The firing happened at Yeonpyeong Island in the Yellow Sea, which is about 50 miles west of Incheon airport and about 90-100 miles west of the Seoul City Center. We are in the process of contacting all of our students in Korea to ensure they continue to monitor the news and engage with our Resident Coordinator, Sung Jo Park, in Seoul as well as Korea University staff to stay fully educated on the matter. Sung Jo Park has already reached out to the students, providing them with the most up-to-date information on the situation and is available for them to ask questions.

We just spoke with staff from the U.S. Department of State and they ensured us that at this time they do not foresee any Travel Alert or Travel Warning being issued for South Korea, as they believe it to be an isolated incident. The United States, Japan, and Russia have all condemned North Korea’s actions and China has showed its concern and desire to see both North and South Korea “make more contributions to the stability of the peninsula.” Read more about the incident HERE.

AsiaLearn will continue to monitor the situation and keep you and the students informed of any new developments. We welcome any questions that you may have about the situation in South Korea or the AsiaLearn Study Abroad Program.  

H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

AustraLearn/AsiaLearn/EuroLearn: Educational Programs of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad

Response and Policy Update as of August 2009

We are monitoring the information regarding the H1N1 (Swine) Flu. We will continue to review the advice presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as travel advisories / warnings provided by the U.S. Department of State and other government organizations.

We are committed to providing information to our students about this critical health issue. Currently there are no changes to our operations or programs as a result of the H1N1 (swine) Flu. Our emergency plan is in place for our programs abroad and we will make adjustments to our programs, as appropriate.

The best thing to do at this time is to stay informed as events develop and to know where to go for information.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

World Health Organization

U.S. Department of State

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

HTH Worldwide - News and Resource Information

Additional Resources:

NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Australian Government Health Emergency 

Ministry of Health in New Zealand

Announcement - June 12, 2009

From the CDC

A Pandemic Is Declared
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.

More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.

WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.

From WHO
What is phase 6?
Updated 11 June 2009

Phase 6 is a pandemic, according to the WHO definition.

At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate. This assessment is based on scientific evidence available to WHO, as well as input from its Member States on the pandemic's impact on their health systems, and their social and economic functioning.

The moderate assessment reflects that:
Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care.
Overall, national levels of severe illness from influenza A(H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods, although high levels of disease have occurred in some local areas and institutions.
Overall, hospitals and health care systems in most countries have been able to cope with the numbers of people seeking care, although some facilities and systems have been stressed in some localities.
WHO is concerned about current patterns of serious cases and deaths that are occurring primarily among young persons, including the previously healthy and those with pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy.
Large outbreaks of disease have not yet been reported in many countries, and the full clinical spectrum of disease is not yet known.

Does WHO expect the severity of the pandemic to change over time?

The severity of pandemics can change over time and differ by location or population.

Close monitoring of the disease and timely and regular sharing of information between WHO and its Member States during the pandemic period is essential for evaluating future severity assessments, if needed.

Future severity assessments would reflect one or a combination of the following factors:

• changes in the virus,
• underlying vulnerabilities, or
• limitations in health system capacities.

The pandemic is early in its evolution and many countries have not yet been substantially affected.
 

Announcement - May 14, 2009

From the CDC
Possible International Travel Delays Due to Novel H1N1 Flu Screening Procedures
This information is current as of today, May 14, 2009 at 17:29 EDT
Released: May 13, 2009

Current Situation
Due to the outbreak of novel H1N1 flu occurring in the United States and many other countries, airport staff in some countries may check the health of arriving passengers. Many countries, including Japan and China, are screening arriving passengers for illness due to novel H1N1 flu. These health screenings are being used to prevent the spread of novel H1N1 flu.

If you are sick with symptoms of influenza-like illness you should not travel. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

Travelers should be aware that since the novel H1N1 flu outbreak is occurring in the United States, flights from the United States arriving in other countries may be specifically targeted for screening. United States travelers may be checked for fever and other symptoms of novel H1N1 flu and their travel may be delayed.

If you travel internationally from the United States, you may be asked to:

• Pass through a scanning device that checks your temperature (the device may look like an airport metal detector, a camera, or a handheld device)
• Have your temperature taken with an oral or ear thermometer
• Fill out a sheet of questions about your health
• Be quarantined for a period of time if a passenger on your flight is found to have symptoms of novel H1N1 flu
• And, if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms, you may be asked to:
  - Have a medical examination
  - Take a rapid flu test which consists of a nasal swab sample
  - Be isolated if you are showing signs of respiratory illness consistent with novel H1N1 flu

CDC strongly encourages all passengers to cooperate with these procedures. Please note that the U.S. Department of State usually cannot interfere with the right of other countries to screen airline passengers entering or exiting their countries. Please consult the embassy of the country you will be traveling to for further information about entry screening procedures (see Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions for contact information)

To view this actual announcement on the CDC website, click here.
 

Announcement - May 12, 2009

Several countries are implementing new border entry procedures in response to the reported cases of H1N1 Flu. North America is considered an affected area, so travelers from the USA and Canada should expect additional screening procedures and delays upon arrival in your host country. These precautions are meant to reduce the spread of infection and ensure that you are healthy upon arrival. In general, travelers from North America may be required to complete an additional health declaration form and pass through a thermal-scanning checkpoint. Travelers found to have a fever and/or other flu-like symptoms may be detained for further assessment, examination and or quarantine. Because of these measures, processing of arriving passengers may take longer than usual.

When preparing to travel, you may want to take a few extra precautionary steps:

• Monitor your temperature and health at home prior to departure to ensure that they do not have signs of the flu before embarking on the flight overseas
• Avoid unnecessary travel prior to departing overseas (stay close to home, avoid crowds, keep hands washed)
• Wear a mask on the flight to reduce exposure to infection

Announcement - April 27, 2009

There have been human cases of swine flu identified in Mexico, the U.S.A. and Canada and to offer advice for ways to stay healthy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is actively investigating isolated human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) in several states and is working closely with Canada and Mexico and with the World Health Organization. Additional cases are suspected in Canada, New Zealand, Scotland, Israel, France, Brazil, Switzerland, Sweden and Spain.

It is important to keep yourself informed about health issues and to follow the guidelines for staying healthy. Information has been provided below from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) websites:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - Information about Swine Flu
World Health Organization (WHO) - Information about Swine Flu

H1N1 Prevention Advice

CDC – Staying Healthy - What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

CDC - Preventing the Flu

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

WHO – Prevention

• cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing;
• use paper tissues to contain respiratory secretions and dispose of them in the nearest waste receptacle after use; and
• wash hands after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects or materials.

Safety in Australia - Attacks on Indian Students

We are monitoring the reports about discriminatory and violent acts against Indian students in the Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne. We have approached our Sydney and Melbourne universities requesting advice regarding the situation as well. The responses are positive and encouraging. All of the universities have reached out to their international students addressing both their concern and condemnation of the situation, in addition to reassuring the students of the support systems that are in place on campus.

The universities are doing what they can to support their Indian students and all international students. Many have put initiatives in place (most of which have been in place) to reconfirm that the safety of their international students is a top priority. A few of these initiatives are:

• Student safety sessions as part of orientation activities
• Regular tips in email newsletters
• Information on safety in Arrival Guides given to all international students
• Dedicated support and welfare staff available to assist international students
• 24 hour security service

In addition to the initiatives set forth by the Australian Universities, the Australian government is working closely with local law enforcement to ensure full justice is brought to the perpetrators and to ensure the safety of all persons within these communities.

We encourage students to look after themselves and their friends and to follow these guideslines with regard to safety:

• Be informed and develop an awareness of current events
• Avoid large crowds or demonstrations
• Travel with a group at all times
• Contact the proper authorities in emergency situations
• Report any incidents to AustraLearn and host program staff

We will continue to provide information and updates with regard to this situation. Please contact us with any questions and concerns at 1-800-980-0033 or studyabroad@australearn.org.
 

Fiji - Political Situation Announcement April 27, 2009

Fiji - Country Information as provided by the U.S. Department of State
 

April 27, 2009

Fiji is a South Pacific island nation consisting of over 350 islands and islets, of which approximately 100 are inhabited. The capital is Suva. On December 5, 2006, in the fourth coup since 1987, the Commander of Fiji’s military force deposed the lawfully elected government of Fiji. There is currently an unelected interim government in place established by the military. The interim government abrogated the constitution and enacted Public Emergency Regulations on April 10, 2009, after the Court of Appeal declared the interim government illegal. The interim government also devalued the currency by 20% on April 15, 2009. Tourist facilities are available. The Fiji Visitors Bureau, which has a wide range of information of interest to travelers, can be contacted via the Fiji Visitors Bureau’s web site. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Fiji for additional information.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Under Public Emergency Regulations currently in place, some basic rights have been limited, including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The independence of Fiji’s law enforcement and judicial systems is compromised, putting into question protections ordinarily afforded by the rule of law. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of travel to the Republic of Fiji at this time. While Fiji’s country situation appears calm on the surface, political, economic, and security uncertainties continue. It is possible that the security situation, especially in Suva, could deteriorate rapidly. American citizens in Fiji should remain vigilant, particularly in public places and near military activities in the greater Suva area, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful could turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly.