Reminder: Self-isolation guidance

Student working on laptop

From August 2021, the Government’s advice about self-isolation changed and you now do not need to self-isolate in certain situations.

When you need to self-isolate

Self-isolate straight away and get a PCR test as soon as possible if you have any of these three symptoms of COVID-19:

  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

In addition to these three main symptoms it may help to be aware of reported additional symptoms associated with COVID-19. If you develop any of these symptoms, please take the appropriate precautions by isolating and booking a test.

You can book a PCR test at our on-campus test site or via the Government webpages. If your test is positive you should continue to self-isolate in line with NHS guidance.

You should also self-isolate if:

  • you’ve tested positive for COVID-19
  • someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive, (unless you are not required to self-isolate – check section below if this applies to you)
  • you’ve been told to self-isolate following close contact with someone who tested positive (unless you are not required to self-isolate – check section below if this applies to you)

When you don’t need to self-isolate

If someone you live with has symptoms of COVID-19, or has tested positive for COVID-19, you will not need to self-isolate if any of the following apply:

  • you’re fully vaccinated*
  • you’re under 18 years, 6 months old
  • you’re taking part or have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial
  • you’re not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

* Fully vaccinated means that you have been vaccinated with an MHRA approved Covid-19 vaccine in the UK, and at least 14 days have passed since you received the recommended doses of that vaccine. If you have not received the recommended doses of the vaccine or been vaccinated in a country outside of the UK, you must self-isolate for 10 days from the date you were last in contact with the person who has Covid-19. More information can be found on the NHS webpages.

However, even if you do not have symptoms, you should still get a PCR test to check if you have COVID-19, continue to follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19 and consider limiting contact with people who are at higher risk from COVID-19.


Tell us if you’re self-isolating

If you are self-isolating or quarantining for any reason please let us know by completing the COVID-19 Self-Isolation Form. By letting us know you are isolating, we are able to reach out and offer you support – even if you are not on campus.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 you should also please report your result on the University’s Case Management System.