From last Friday (1 April), all remaining Covid restrictions in England have been lifted as part of the UK Government’s ‘Living with Covid’ plan.
This means that the legal requirements to self-isolate following a positive test result or if you are identified as a close contact of someone with a positive test have been removed. Routine contact tracing has ended and access to free PCR and Lateral Flow tests has also ended for the vast majority in the community. Exemptions can be found on the government webpages.
What this means for us
Throughout the pandemic we have emphasised that each and every one of us has a part to play in keeping ourselves and those around us safe whilst we are on campus. Now, as legal restrictions are lifted, it is more important than ever that we continue supporting each other and respect that others may adjust at different speeds and have different views to our own. By taking personal responsibility for our health and actions we can all help reassure the most vulnerable in our community.
Please take a moment to familiarise yourselves with our ongoing guidance:
Stay at home guidance and ongoing PCR testing
Although the legal requirement to self-isolate has ended, we expect our community to continue to act mindfully before coming onto campus. If you have a high temperature (either on its own or with any other symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19) or you do not feel well enough to carry out normal activities, you should stay at home and avoid contact with others until you no longer have a high temperature or until you feel better.
Our free PCR test centre will also remain accessible on campus (on Guild Walk opposite 502 Teaching Hub) to support students and staff with symptoms to make an informed decision before coming onto campus for study or work. If you are due to be on campus but have symptoms you can book a PCR test. You can then return to campus if your test result is negative and you feel well enough. The PCR test centre is open Monday-Friday.
If your test result is positive you should stay at home and avoid contact with others for 5 days, or longer if you still have a high temperature or feel unwell. Guidance states you should stay at home for 10 days if coming into contact with those at high risk from COVID-19. Please remember to continue to let us know if you test positive for COVID-19.
If you leave your home while you have symptoms of a respiratory infection and a high temperature or feel unwell, or after testing positive for COVID-19, avoid close contact with others (particularly those with a weakened immune system, if known), wear a face covering and avoid crowded places. You should also follow this guidance if you live in the same household as, or have stayed overnight in the same household as, someone with COVID-19.
Face coverings
We understand the wearing of face coverings is becoming more of a personal choice, however, we strongly recommend that you continue to wear one when inside University buildings, especially when in crowded areas and with people you don’t usually meet with. We also remind you to respect any requests to wear a face covering (unless exempt) when being taught in person by a staff member at high risk from COVID-19.
Vaccinations
If you haven’t yet had your COVID-19 vaccination or booster jab, please make this a priority. You can book these directly via the NHS website.
Close contacts
Further advice on what actions to take if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive can be found on the Government webpages.
Please note; students on placement in health care settings should continue to follow NHS guidance.
Support for those at high risk from COVID-19
The University understands that some of you may feel nervous about coming onto campus with this further relaxation of measures, especially those who are at high risk from COVID-19. If you have any concerns please contact your School in the first instance. You can also contact our Student Services team, or take a look at our wellbeing resources.