There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year and there are many reasons to celebrate as we move into 2021. However you celebrate, it is important that you do so safely.
Coronavirus restrictions
Wherever you are spending New Year, it is important to continue to follow the national and local restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
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 in keeping everyone; especially those who are most vulnerable, safe and well.
Spending New Year in Liverpool
If you have remained in Liverpool during the winter break, or are planning to return to campus or to your term-time address for New Year, Liverpool remains open for you enjoy safely.
It is important to remember that whether you live in halls or elsewhere within the city, as members of both the university community and the local community, you have a responsibility to help us to maintain positive relationships with our neighbours and to keep yourself and others safe.
Ensure that you are up-to-date with local restrictions in the Liverpool City Region, and adhere to all the current regulations.
Find out more about socialising safely on the Campus Safety web hub.
Get a test before returning for New Year
Before you return to Liverpool, we strongly encourage you to take a COVID-19 test at home prior to travelling. We recommend that this be done either at a local test centre, or by requesting a Government at-home testing kit.
Liverpool City Region are also running a testing programme whereby all those, even those without symptoms, who want a test can access one quickly and easily.
By all working together we can keep the virus under control and pave the way for a return to normalcy in 2021.
Safety tips
If you are spending New Year in an area where local restrictions allow, you may choose to go out to celebrate. We wanted to remind everyone of some key safety tips to help you enjoy the New Year safely:
- Plan your journey home before you set off. Pre-book a taxi, or ensure that you have a designated driver. Remember that you will need to wear a mask in a taxi or on public transport.
- Keep your phone charged up. Making sure your phone is fully charged before you head out is important for taking photos but also for staying in touch, or getting hold of your friends if you lose them in the crowds.
- Travel safely. Try to travel with people you know and, where possible, stick to routes and forms of transport that others are using. If you do walk home, try to stick to main roads and avoid poorly lit areas, alleyways, and shortcuts through lonely places.
- Go against the flow. When walking on the pavement, always face oncoming traffic as it will make it far more difficult for thieves on two wheelers to ride up from behind and snatch your property. But still also be aware of anyone approaching from ahead of you.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Using a mobile phone, wearing a hood, or listening to music on headphones while you are out can all affect your awareness of what’s happening around you. Make yourself less of a target by being aware of your surroundings will go a long way to keeping you safe.
- Be vigilant. When using cash machines make sure you protect your PIN. Try to avoid using a cash machine late at night, and if you have been drinking. If you do need to withdraw cash use a machine in a busy well-lit area and stay with people you know.
- Drink responsibly. Alcohol and drugs will reduce reaction times and inhibitions, which makes it harder to assess risks and decide how to deal with them. You are far more vulnerable when you are drunk, especially if you are on your own. Eat before you go out, and try to alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks. Never leave your drink unattended.
- Protect your valuables. Try to keep your phone out of sight, and be vigilant if you do have to use your phone outside. It’s also worth registering your possessions with Immobilise – the free national property register that allows the Police to identify the owners of any recovered property in the event of theft.
- Attract help if you need it. If you feel threatened, make as much noise as possible to identify yourself in order to warn off the individual and to attract help from others.
Support and activities
If you’re looking for inspiration for New Year and the rest of the winter break, visit the Support and Activities hub for many virtual and in-person activities and events to get involved with.
And if you haven’t already done so, we also recommend that you download the new ‘My Liverpool’ app. On the app you can view events, create a personalised planner and access information and support. If you turn on the app notifications and location tracker you will be sent new information as it announced.
We have been immensely proud of our #TeamLivUni community throughout this year and wish you all a happy and safe New Year. We look forward to welcoming you all back in 2021!