University Students Evicted From Abercrombie Accommodation Following News of USyd COVID-19 Case
By Cassandra Lau
University of Sydney students will be relocated following a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the University community. Whilst the student has been reported to be recovering in hospital, the University has unfortunately identified a number of students who need to be self-isolated.
Abercrombie Student Accommodation (ASA) occupants received an email yesterday evening informing them that they will be temporarily relocated to alternative accommodation by 4pm tomorrow, 17 March. Occupants were not given details as to where, when or how which prompted unrest and frustration.
The University anticipates to relocate ASA occupants to either the Queen Mary Building, the Regiment or other suitable accommodation facilities until further notice.
As of 7:26pm this evening, staff have begun to inform ASA occupants of where they may be relocated to.
Occupants are expected to return to ASA following the quarantine period which could last over eight weeks. Prior to their return, the University will undertake an intensive clean of the premises in accordance with NSW Health protocols.
Mark Try, Director of Student Support Services, said, “We must now put into action our plan to repurpose Abercrombie Student Accommodation and two other facilities as isolation accommodation due to their self-contained layout, and their location near the main campus.”
“The accommodation is not intended for those who are sick and need medical attention. Anyone who is sick will be treated appropriately as the situation at the time demands. In the current circumstances, that means they would be hospitalised.”
“University staff members will advise [occupants] of the time of [their] departure and room number in [their] alternative accommodation.”
Occupants have been provided two boxes and bubble-wrap each on site. The University staff will assist with occupants’ move and transport their belongings to their new room.
ASA students have been provided with boxes for their belongings.
Earlier today, Mr Try and Susanna Scarpaso visited ASA to answer any further questions concerned students might have.
James, a student-resident of ASA, helped summarise the meeting on the ASA Social 2020 Facebook page. He writes: “The duration of our stay at Regiment/QMB may extend beyond the initial eight weeks stated.”
“They will confirm that people will not be penalised if they want to cancel their contract and go to external accommodations.
“People who paid for the full 48/52 week period are free to ask for a refund for all their costs and switch to a fortnightly payment schedule.”
He also writes that there were discussions of “starting an education campaign in QMB/ Regiment regarding hygiene and staying safe to hopefully minimise the chances of catching coronavirus.”
“I am extremely disappointed in how I, along with my fellow Abercrombie residents, are being ‘accommodated.’ Never have I ever been given a 48-hour eviction notice and been treated this bad”, says Paul Whang, an American Master in Sustainability student.
“It feels as if the school cares more about money than it does for the welfare of its students.”
“It is such a shame that we've built up such a great community over the past month, now that we will be split up,” says a domestic, penultimate Aeronautical Engineering student at the University, who preferred not to be named.
Caption: ASA occupants celebrating Holi on March 9 / Photo by: Yinfeng Photography
Both individuals named have decided to relocate elsewhere off-campus following the incident.