Hello Student
Earlier this term, following changes to government Covid-19 guidance, we were in touch to let you know about safety measures that would remain in place at Warwick until the end of term 2. With term ending this week, we’re sharing an update about our approach for the rest of this academic year.
The government has released a ‘Living with Covid-19’ plan which details that the remaining legal requirements linked to Covid-19 are being removed after 1 April. There is also a high level of immunity within our population, accompanied by high levels of vaccination in the University - this means we’re now in a position to review our approach and the Covid-19 safety measures on campus.
Read on for details about our approach in term 3.
Teaching, learning and assessments
We’ll continue with a blended teaching, learning and assessment model for the rest of this academic year.
Face coverings
You’re strongly advised to continue wearing a face covering in teaching, learning and study spaces.
Stay at home if you feel unwell
We strongly recommend that you stay at home if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or any other infectious disease, or if you test positive for Covid-19. You should let your Personal Tutor know, or contact your department Senior Tutor if you’re unable to reach your Personal Tutor.
See details about support available if your personal circumstances are affecting your studies adversely.
Testing
Symptomatic
Due to a significant decrease in demand for PCR tests at our University Test and Trace site, and the end of free universal tests provided by Government, we will be closing the University Test and Trace site at the end of March. We will also end contact tracing via our Test and Trace service. We will consult with local public health teams as we make these changes.
Asymptomatic
Although the Government no longer requires it, it is good practice to continue with regular lateral flow testing where possible, to keep our community safe – we will continue to source LFT tests (subject to national supply) and keep you updated on availability.
Vaccinations
The high vaccination rate nationally and in our University community has played a key part in being able to return to campus, face-to-face teaching and other in-person activity. It’s really important to get vaccinated if you haven’t already, to help keep everyone safe on campus. We will continue to let you know about vaccination clinics at the University Health Centre or pop-up vaccination clinics.
MyDelivery service
MyDelivery service was set up to support students who were self-isolating, so that items needed could be safely delivered directly to campus accommodation. As self-isolation is no longer legally required, the service will end on Friday 18 March. If you’re staying in your accommodation because you’re unwell and need support accessing items, please speak to a member of the Residential Life Team.
Student Experience Ambassadors
Student Experience Ambassadors (SEAs) were recruited to support in study spaces and other areas on campus, providing guidance and direction on the behaviour required during Covid-19. As a result of changes to guidance, the SEAs will no longer be on campus after term 2. The team recruited for this year are being supported to apply where possible for other roles at the University.
Clinically extremely vulnerable people
Although the shielding programme and specific guidance for clinically vulnerable people ended in England in September 2021, we recognise that Covid-19 may still be a greater concern for people who were previously considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable.
If you haven’t already, we strongly encourage you to share information with the relevant services such as the Disability Team, and the Warwick Accommodation and Residential Life Team if you live on campus, so that they let you know about available support. It is also important to share relevant information with your academic department to ensure any appropriate risk assessments can be conducted or/and alternative arrangements can be considered for your studies.
Support
We appreciate that the pandemic has had a significant impact on all members of our community and as restrictions continue to ease, it may feel unsettling and take time to adjust. If you need any support, please reach out to Wellbeing Support Services or your Personal Tutor who can signpost you to the right people.
We hope you have a restful and enjoyable break, and will be in touch before we welcome you back for term 3.
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Best wishes,
and the Student Communications Team
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