COVID-19 restrictions update and how to access wellbeing support and activities

With Liverpool City Region’s ‘very high’ status at national Tier 3 due to be reviewed in a couple of weeks, and the continued high number of cases in the City, we have taken the decision to continue with our current revised arrangements until at least Friday, 6 November, after which we will continue to review this decision on a weekly basis. All students will be given at least 7 days’ notice prior to any change.

This means that face-to-face teaching will continue to be limited to essential delivery for students in clinical, laboratory and other practice-based disciplines, and that required for professional accreditation for the time being. Libraries and other facilities, such as student mental health services, have remained open, with bookable spaces and other arrangements in place to help maintain a safe environment.

Our response to the pandemic is guided first and foremost by the goal of helping everyone to protect their overall wellbeing. We are confident about the measures in place to safeguard staff and students on campus and our intention is to reintroduce an element of face-to-face teaching for all students at the earliest opportunity.

Your wellbeing

We know that this is a difficult time, particularly for any students who have tested positive for COVID-19 and for those of you who are currently self-isolating. Those of you in this position will have been contacted as part of our contact tracing process to check on your welfare and offer practical and emotional support.

Please remember that there is a wide range of support services available to you if you need them, including mental health, wellbeing and counselling services.

Take part in activities

Whether you are self-isolating or not, it is important that you invest time in your personal wellbeing by remaining active, keeping in contact with friends and trying new activities.

The University is working closely with Liverpool Guild of Students to put in place a range of activities for you to get involved in this term. From crafternoons, to wellbeing workshops, virtual quizzes to speed mate-ing sessions, there is something for everyone, and plenty of opportunities meet new people. More information and links to the virtual events and activities, including introductory society sessions, are available on the Guild’s website.

Those of you not currently self-isolating may have seen the news earlier this week that gyms are being allowed to re-open in Liverpool and this means we will shortly be re-opening Sport Liverpool for pre-booked activities. More information is available here.

Exploring the city safely

Although things are different this year, and with the current local restrictions some of your favourite places might not be quite ready to welcome you yet, it’s important to remember that Liverpool is still open. We all just need to understand how to explore the city responsibly, be mindful of the wider community, and keep each other safe.

For more information, including some ideas on exploring the city safely this autumn, see the Visit Liverpool website.