The Government has announced that Greater Manchester will move to local COVID alert level: very high from Friday and will be reviewed by at least 11 November.
This means that you must not socialise with anybody you do not live with or have formed a support bubble with, in any indoor setting or in any private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events. You also must not socialise in a group of more than six in an outdoor public space such as a park, a public garden or a sports venue. Further information about the new restrictions is on the Government website and will be updated on the Manchester City Council website shortly.
The guidance for local alert level 3 (very high) states that universities should stay open. You should try to avoid travelling outside the very high alert level area you are in or entering a very high alert level area, other than for things like work or study.
We have extensive measures in place on campus to meet the requirements for universities, which means that we are not required to make any changes to teaching and learning as a result of the change in alert level, and will continue to deliver essential face-to-face teaching. We are due to review our current situation on 23 October. The infection rates amongst our students have fallen dramatically and staff infections remain much lower.
Students who are defined by the NHS as being highly vulnerable and have on-campus teaching should discuss arrangements with their tutor.
The Government has made a commitment to keeping schools and universities open, and the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and the wider local community is our University’s primary concern. We will continue to support you in every way that we can.
Professor April McMahon, Vice President for Teaching, Learning and Students.