We have updated our university guidance and Covid-Safe Arrangements following the lifting of restrictions and changes in government guidance on 19 July. The government advise we should all stay cautious to protect ourselves and others.
We will continue to keep our guidance under review and reflect any changes in government guidance. We are continuing to work closely with our local councils to provide test facilities on or near our campuses.
The changes to our university guidance are summarised below:
Face coverings in our buildings*
Our expectation and strong recommendation is that face coverings should continue to be worn inside our buildings. This is consistent with the government’s recommendation that face coverings should be worn in crowded indoor spaces. There are some exceptions which are set out in our guidance, for example you can remove your face covering when seated at a workstation and you are 2m or more away from other people.
Face coverings on university buses*
In line with TfL’s approach, you are still required to wear face coverings on our university buses.
* If you are exempt from wearing a face covering, please wear an exemption badge or lanyard.
Teaching spaces
In line with the government guidance and the removal of social distancing guidelines, the university intends to move to normal classroom set-up in September 2021 which will be supported by other risk mitigations. These include the expected wearing of face coverings, enhanced ventilation and cleaning, and for lecturing staff to continue to stand 2m back from the class.
Our Covid-Safe Charter
We will also review and update our Covid-Safe Charter to reflect the government’s guidance on personal responsibility. We will share the updated Covid-Safe Charter with students and staff.
It remains important to get tested regularly
Staff and students who are on campus should get a Covid-19 Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test twice a week with 3-4 days between tests. Where possible, you should test yourself using a home test kit before coming to campus. You can see details of the Covid-testing arrangements on our campuses on the portal.
It’s also important to continue to report Covid
If you test positive, experience the symptoms of Covid-19 or need to self-isolate for any reason, you must let the university know as soon as possible. This will allow us to take swift action to minimise the risk to others and follow the strict procedures in place.
You can do this using the online form on the Covid-Safe Arrangements page.
Support is available for you
The health, safety and wellbeing of our students and staff continues to be our priority and support is available for you. You can find details of the Student Wellbeing Service and the Students' Union Advice Service on our website.