COVID update – make sure you get boosted

13 Dec 2021

Booster jabs now available to everyone over 18 years old

As a university we are continuing to keep a close eye on the developing situation with the Omicron variant. The recent announcements from government make it clear that this is a fast-moving situation.

The best way to stay safe is to get vaccinated and take up your booster jab. This is now open to everyone over 18 years old, who has had their second jab three or more months ago.

We want to assure you that we are actively monitoring and managing any new information as we get it. At the moment there are no further changes to our operations, but we need to be prepared to adapt, should we need to.

It is essential that as a community we all do everything we can to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Whether you work from home or on campus, our advice to staff and students continues to be as follows:

• Get vaccinated - We encourage all staff and students to get vaccinated as soon as you can, and to get your booster when eligible. Vaccinated people are much more unlikely to get serious COVID-19 or be admitted to hospital, and there is growing evidence that vaccinated people are less likely to pass the virus to others.
• Get tested - Take a lateral flow test twice a week, isolate immediately if you test positive. You should not come on to the campus if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. Please follow NHS isolation guidance and arrange for a PCR test. If you test positive, you MUST self-isolate and let us know through your line manager and our website.
• Wear a mask - Face coverings are mandatory on campus and are a legal requirement in some public spaces including public transport and shops. Please continue to wear your face coverings if you are able to do so. Keep using the hand sanitiser provided and wash your hands frequently.
• Try to reduce your social interactions  - whilst there are no requirements in the latest government guidance for Christmas parties and gatherings to be cancelled, we would advise caution and to discuss these in your teams.

By following this guidance, we will continue to keep ourselves and our campus as safe as is possible.