UON originally told staff and students on Thursday morning that NSW Health had advised the positive case had visited the library on Friday July 30, between 5pm and 11pm.

UON said late on Thursday afternoon that NSW Health had corrected its previous advice and that the date and time of concern had been confirmed as 4pm on Thursday July 29 to 1am on July 30.

"The individual was in the Learning Lounge of the Auchmuty Library during this time period, and had minimal contact with others during this time," UON said.

"The student is not an on-campus resident.

"Any students or staff who were in the Auchmuty Library from 4pm Thursday 29 July [to] 1am on Friday 30 July 2021 are asked to get tested and isolate.

"We also ask that they notify health.response@newcastle.edu.au so the university can provide support. NSW Health contact tracers will also be in contact to advise next steps."

The university said only staff and students who were in the library at the same time as the confirmed case were required to take action.

The library was closed on Thursday for deep cleaning.

IN THE NEWS:

Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky has told students and staff that the Callaghan and both city campuses would be closed to all non-essential services from 5pm through until midnight on August 12.

This includes the Auchmuty and NUspace Libraries, including the Learning Lounge.

"This means that only the following essential services will continue to operate across these campuses: security services, cleaning services, health services, critical IT services, critical maintenance, construction and essential research support services," he wrote to students.

"Study from home will continue throughout this period. Please contact your Course Coordinator for information relating specifically to your course.

"No external visitors are permitted onto these campuses during this time.

"Essential visitors relating to infrastructure, IT, security, and animal welfare must contact security (4921 5888) when entering and leaving the campuses.

"HDR students should discuss the essential nature of their research activities with their supervisor."

Professor Zelinsky said UON knew the lockdown "may cause heightened anxiety for many staff and students, and that these have rolling impacts as many of our university families will be supporting home learning for children". "Our thoughts are with you at this time."

He suggested reading resources from beyondblue and the UON website about wellbeing and coping with uncertainty.

He also reminded staff to talk with supervisors about working from home, COVID-19 leave for vaccination and testing and personal leave for illness or caring responsibilities.

"Rest assured the university will do everything needed to ensure the safety and security of our staff and students," he told staff. "We know you will continue to support these efforts."

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