Dear Students,
With the ‘student travel window’ beginning on Thursday 3 December, it is vital that you are familiar with the guidance below when travelling to the address where you will spend the festive break.
Please also be aware that from tomorrow, Wednesday 2 December, London will be placed in Tier 2 (High alert) of the government’s new regional approach to restrictions which aim to ensure there is no further growth in Covid-19 infections, meaning:
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you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
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you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’
Read the full guidance about restrictions in Tier 2
Travelling for the festive break
The ‘student travel window’, which follows the period of lockdown we have all just experienced, is in place during Thursday 3 – Wednesday 9 December. Most of you should make your journey to the address where you will spend the break during this period, but please be aware that there are exemptions for postgraduate research students and students who are continuing on clinical placements.
Before you travel, plan ahead to avoid busy times and routes. Check your journey to avoid disruptions and follow the safer travel advice, in particular:
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If driving, only travel with members of your current household or the household you are going to join.
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When using public transport, you must wear a face covering, unless exempt, sanitise your hands regularly, use contactless payment if necessary and keep a 2m distance where possible.
For those of you who are travelling to another area of England, you must continue to follow Tier 2 social contact rules when you travel to a Tier 1 area. If you do travel to a Tier 3 area, you should follow Tier 3 social contact rules.
If you are travelling to Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, follow the guidance in England for travelling home and the safer travel guidelines. Please also review the specific advice published for your home country:
If you are an international student, before you travel you should:
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check the Covid-19 entry requirements for your destination country
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speak to your travel insurer
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check with your carrier for latest developments at your destination
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plan ahead to avoid busy times and routes.
Further guidance for international students is also on the government website.
Get tested before you travel
The testing centre at St George’s is now open for students to have a coronavirus test. The aim is to identify asymptomatic cases, helping to reduce the risks to you, your families, friends and home communities when you make your journey for the break. Students on clinical placements beyond our testing window should be guided by your placement host on the testing practices which apply to healthcare workers in your setting.
Tests are available until 9 December, then also on 11 and 14 December. There is now no deadline to book a test. You should book two tests at least three days apart. Please book both of your tests at the same time, scheduling them at least three days apart.
Book your test here
Please see course specific guidance on when to book your tests, based on your education commitments.
Read further guidance on getting tested to help everyone.
If you receive a positive test, please inform the University via coronavirusconcern@sgul.ac.uk in line with our process to report a case.
The University is awaiting government guidance about any requirements we may need to follow at the start of next term for students to safely return to site. We will be in touch in due course with any further updates.
With my best wishes for the weeks ahead.
Paul RatcliffeChief Operating Officer