The government’s living with COVID guidance recommends that we all take simple steps to prevent the spread of COVID. |
If you test positive or suspect you have COVID-19 and live in Halls of Residence, you should email your Hall Warden to let them know. They will be responsible for reporting suspected outbreaks among students in their areas.
A range of measures to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 remain in place, including:
- Encouraging all students to register with the University Medical Group or local GP
- Encouraging all members of our community to get vaccinated
- Staying at home and avoiding contact with others following a positive test or displaying the main symptoms, listed on the NHS website.
- Regular hand washing
- Restricting lift capacity to one person, giving priority to those with greater need. This is an important measure to reduce exposure for vulnerable people who may have no option but to use lifts due to disability.
Any suspected outbreaks reported will be investigated by the University’s Health & Safety Services team. A Major Incident Team will meet if necessary and decisions will be communicated.
These changes bring the University’s management of COVID-19 in line with updated national guidance and with wider arrangements to respond to outbreaks of other infectious diseases. It ensures the University has a clear policy in place to respond to outbreaks, while recognising that vaccination programmes have substantially reduced the severity of infection and hospitalisation rates resulting from COVID-19.
The COVID-19 policy will continue to be regularly reviewed, in line with all University policies relating to infectious diseases.
The guidelines will also be amended as appropriate if updated advice is issued by UK Government or the UK Health & Security Agency.
Support
If you have any concerns, or need support, please contact our Student Welfare team.
Vaccinations
All students, including international students, can access COVID-19 vaccines for free in England. We strongly encourage everyone in our community to get vaccinated as soon as they can.
You can book an appointment online through the NHS at a convenient location for you.
You can request to book COVID-19 vaccination appointments at an unregistered patient through a local GP practice. If you have had an MHRA-approved vaccine outside of the UK, you can update your vaccination record on the NHS website.
We do not have plans to make vaccination mandatory for students or staff, but strongly recommend that students and colleagues get vaccinated when they can.
Travel
If you intend to travel to or from the UK, you should continue to check the latest travel guidance.
Disciplinary procedures
Our health and safety measures are in place not just to protect you but all members of our community, including those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. It is essential that students and members of staff can safely study and work alongside one another.
Contact us
Let us know if you have any health conditions that may require additional arrangements by contacting the Disability Advisory Service (DAS).
Speak to your Support Centre if you do not feel the arrangements in place are suitable to protect your health.
If you have any worries whilst living in halls, you can contact the Student Welfare Team, Hall Wardens or Hall Mentors for help, support or a friendly chat, through your halls Reception, Halls Hotline, or Home at Halls app.
Reading Student Union (RUSU) also has a confidential, independent advice service for academic, financial, and housing matters.