We all have a part to play in reducing the spread of coronavirus infection and helping to keep our families, our friends and our communities safe.
Under current UK Government restrictions there can be no mixing of households indoors or outside. It is important that you, as an individual, keep up to date with restrictions in force and take responsibility for adhering to the rules.
We know that the majority of you are taking this seriously and playing your part, but with an increasing number of students choosing to return to the city, we are receiving a growing number of reports about incidents, including those attending and hosting large gatherings. Putting others at risk is always unacceptable and, particularly with the currently heightened risk of transmission, the actions of a few could have serious consequences for fellow students, University staff or the wider community.
The UK Government has very recently introduced £800 fines enforced by the police, for anyone attending a gathering of more than 15 people. The fine will double for each repeat offence to a maximum of £6,400. This is a strong message and the University has, and will continue where we feel necessary, to involve the police for gatherings whether this is inside or outdoors.
University sanctions
Members of our University community who do not follow the restrictions and University guidelines should expect swift action to be taken including warnings and disciplinary proceedings. This includes notification to your academic department. It is important to remind you that serious breaches of COVID-19 restrictions can result in suspension from University accommodation and additional impacts on your academic studies and programme. You can find more information in our Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline.
Respect
It is only by 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.
It is also important that we continue to treat each other with respect, especially those who are working hard to protect and support you. Our staff and your fellow students should never be subjected to aggressive or inappropriate language or behaviours. This is unacceptable and the University will swiftly take action against any individuals who engage in this behaviour.
The current situation is hard for everyone and we fully appreciate the effect it continues to have, but the safety of our University community remains our top priority and your co-operation with this is very much appreciated.
Studying or working on campus
If you are studying or working on campus, or have returned to your community in Liverpool, it is imperative you take personal responsibility for helping to prevent infection.
Please adhere to the following essential steps:
- Observe the Hands – Face – Space public health guidance, as well as keeping rooms ventilated where appropriate.
- We now expect all students and staff who are working on campus to take an asymptomatic test every 5 days. This can be done using the University’s asymptomatic testing service in the Sports Centre (details can be found here) or one of the SMART testing facilities in the city (details here).
- If you have any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, it is vitally important that you obtain a test and isolate until the result is known. Tests for people with symptoms of COVID-19 can be booked here.
Please remember that, although a number of essential services are available on campus, you should minimise contact with people outside of your household or support bubble and therefore only use physical facilities when it is absolutely necessary. Our libraries and other student services offer a wide range of services online, which will help you to avoid unnecessary travel.
If you are struggling, please get in touch with our support services. The University’s Student Services team offer comprehensive support to all students across a number of areas including:
- Student Welfare Advice and Guidance
- Counselling Service
- Mental Health Advisory Service
- Advice and Guidance
- Disability Advice and Guidance
- International Advice and Guidance
- Money Advice and Guidance
The team will be providing support through video (Microsoft Teams or Zoom), phone and email between 9am and 5pm each day.
You can contact the team for support.