Student diagnosed with COVID-19

The University of Western Australia can confirm a student who recently returned to Perth from overseas exchange has tested positive to COVID-19.

After returning to Perth on an international flight last Wednesday 18 March, the student went straight from the airport to a testing centre before going home to self-isolate.

The student has not visited the UWA campus nor had contact with any member of the UWA community.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander said the student was recovering well at home in isolation and had not had contact with anyone outside their immediate household.

“We understand that all other members of the household are also self-isolating and the WA Department of Health is monitoring the situation,” Professor den Hollander said.

“Our systems are working. We have been notified, assured the student is being looked after and, based on our information, there is no risk to our campus community from this case.”

The University is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will continue to provide advice, care and support to the student and their family, and as directed by the WA Department of Health. We ask the media to respect the privacy of the student who is seeking care.