AS the global death toll from coronavirus passes 3000 people, Charles Sturt University (CSU) is preparing for the closure of its campuses in the event of a major outbreak.
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There are nine confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in NSW and 158 under investigation.
Worldwide, 60 countries have been impacted by the virus and 89,000 people have the disease.
The closure of CSU campuses is just one measure being considered by the university, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said.
"In the event of an outbreak, we are prepared for additional cleaning, self-isolation and to close residences, or if necessary an entire campus," he said.
"Our staff will also have ability to work from home if required.
"Critical operations have continuity plans to enable us to continue operations should an outbreak occur."
Professor Vann said the university has also considered the potential for residences to be required by health services in the instance they are required by the community.
Until then, CSU has deployed extra sanitiser stations and communications to encourage hand hygiene.
Professor Vann said CSU has mechanisms in place to "ensure continuity for our students and staff across all of our campus locations should a COVID-19 outbreak occur".
"As an experienced provider of online learning, we will enable our students to switch to online modes if face-to-face is not available," he said.
"We have student support services and processes to request extensions or special consideration.
"As a multi-campus university it is really important to us that we have the mechanisms in place to ensure continuity for our students and staff."
