The University would like to thank all of the staff and students for their resilience and commitment throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Across the whole University community, everyone contributed in their own way to make sure that students were taught and supported and that essential operations continued.
National guidance now focuses on the country living with Covid-19 and managing it in the same way as any other respiratory infection. Access to free testing for the general public ended, with symptomatic and asymptomatic testing no longer required for most people. Free Covid testing is now targeted towards the most vulnerable and those working in NHS and Social Care. People with symptoms associated with a respiratory infection are asked to exercise personal responsibility to help reduce the spread of infection.
Please refer to the guidance on this webpage for the University’s approach to living with Covid-19.
Living with Covid-19
The latest guidance on the University's approach to living with Covid-19
Most people in England are no longer advised to get tested.
The NHS provides further guidance on:
- what to do if you have Covid-19 symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19
- what to do if you've been in close contact with someone with Covid-19
- how to avoid catching and spreading Covid-19
If you still want to get tested and you're not eligible for a free NHS test, you must pay for a Covid-19 test yourself. You can buy a Covid-19 test from some pharmacies and retailers, in person or online.
There are a small number of people who will still be able to get free Covid-19 tests from the NHS.
- If you have a health condition that means you're eligible for new Covid-19 treatments
- If you're going into the hospital for surgery or a procedure
- If you work in the NHS or in social care
More information, including how to order a test if you're eligible, is available on the NHS website: Get tested for coronavirus
As Covid-19 is no longer a notifiable disease, and following discussions with local public health colleagues, from November 2022, there is no longer a requirement for staff and students to separately report a positive test result to the University.
If you are unwell and likely to have an infectious disease, including those with symptoms associated with respiratory infection – then please don’t come to campus.
Students should report their absence via Student Check-In. Staff should contact their line manager in the usual way.
Staff with Covid-related absences will continue to receive sick pay in the same way as they would for any other sickness absence.
Vaccination has been an important tool in getting back to normal, and if you are still not fully vaccinated, then we would strongly encourage you to complete the course – including the booster jabs.
Covid-19 related signage across our campuses has now been removed. Wearing a face covering will continue to be a personal choice, and we would ask that everyone is respectful and understanding of those choices.
To ensure that everyone stays safe, please take a minute to clean your workspace before and after use.
- HANDS: Sanitise your hands before collecting the cleaning equipment
- SPRAY: Cleaning products are available in all offices, classrooms and labs
- WAIT: Wait at least a minute once you've sprayed
- CLEAN: Thoroughly wipe all areas and surfaces that you intend to use
Before, during and after cleaning and using your desk/work area, please ensure that you use the hand sanitiser provided and put any used paper towels in the bin before learning.