Following on from our message yesterday, with Omicron cases continuing to rise nationally and some queries regarding completing teaching this week, we wanted to update you.
Completing teaching this week
As we said we will continue with teaching this week as planned and in line with the latest government guidance.
Some programmes have moved temporarily online for the remainder of this week, to give you extra flexibility to travel early and safely where that is possible. For those with ongoing substantial in-person teaching, as soon as that is completed, we do recommend that you make immediate plans to take a COVID test and then get home to enjoy your Christmas break.
Campus remains open
As we have said previously, the campus will remain open with our libraries, learning spaces, catering, sports, and student support facilities functioning with our current precautions such as mandatory face masks.
Staying safe
We know you’ve heard this several times over the last week, but we genuinely can never say it enough. The best way to stay safe is to get vaccinated and take up your booster jab. This is now open to everyone over 18 years old.
It is essential that we all do everything we can to reduce the risk of spreading infection. So, whether you are studying on campus or at home, our advice continues to be:
- Try to limit your social interactions, especially in large groups – not only do you not want to be ill for Christmas or to infect others, but self-isolation rules could ruin any travel plans.
- Get vaccinated – We encourage all staff and students to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and to get your booster when eligible. Vaccinated people are much more unlikely to get serious COVID-19 or be admitted to hospital, and there is growing evidence that vaccinated people are less likely to pass the virus to others.
- Get tested – Take a lateral flow test twice a week, isolate immediately if you test positive. You should not come on to the campus if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. Please follow NHS isolation guidance and arrange for a PCR test. If you test positive, you MUST self-isolate and let us know through your line manager and our website.
- Wear a mask – Face coverings are mandatory on campus and are a legal requirement in some public spaces including public transport and shops. Please continue to wear your face coverings if you are able to do so. Keep using the hand sanitiser provided and wash your hands frequently.