Advice on socialising safely

In response to the rise in COVID-19 cases across the UK, national restrictions have been put in place to control the spread of the virus and save lives.

It’s very important to do all you can to reduce the risk to you and other people. You can spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms, and to play your part in stopping the spread of coronavirus you should avoid close contact with anyone you do not live with.

Socialising where you live

Current restrictions mean that you are not able to socialise with people from outside your own household. You can’t invite friends over to socialise if you don’t live with them, and you cannot meet people in a private garden unless they are in your household or you have formed a support bubble with them.

For students living in Halls of Residence, please remember that you need to wear a face covering (unless you are exempt) in shared indoor spaces such as lifts, corridors and stairwells.

Staying safe on campus

We are reliant on every member of our community adhering to the latest guidance, and have introduced a number of safety measures to keep our campus COVID-secure.

From wearing a face covering, to practising good hygiene and social distancing, to not mixing with others outside your household, there are some simple, but really important steps each of us can take to keep everyone safe.

When visiting the libraries or other study spaces on campus, you should book a space to study in advance. When you arrive, please ensure you check in to confirm your booking, and only use the space you have booked.

Currently, group study space is not available, even for members of the same household, so please ensure that you practise social distancing at all times.

You are required to wear a face mask at all times, including when seated, unless you are medically exempt. If you are exempt, you can arrange to collect a sunflower lanyard by emailing sscrec@liverpool.ac.uk.

Staff are working hard to make the libraries and other spaces as safe as possible for all users, so please be respectful by doing your part to help them keep everyone safe.

Meeting people safely outside

Under current restrictions, you should minimise time spent outside your home, but you can still exercise or meet in a public, outdoor space with people you live with, your support bubble, or with one other person.

When around other people outside you should maintain social distancing, and stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household. 

Fines and sanctions

Please remember that these are national restrictions which apply to everyone in England, and the police and other enforcement officers have powers to issue penalty notices to those that don’t comply. This means that, if you fail to adhere to the rules, you might receive a police fine and this may increase if you break the rules again.

From a University perspective, putting others at risk is always unacceptable and, in keeping with government guidance, the University has the capacity to take disciplinary action under the existing Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline.

It is only by all working together, that the virus can be kept under control. The three key steps we can take as individuals – wearing a face covering, regularly washing our hands, and maintaining a safe distance from anyone from another household – make an enormous difference.

Please continue to follow this advice, treat each other with respect and play your part in keeping everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable, safe and well.