Dear Colleagues,
The Covid-19 Steering Group met earlier this week to consider proposals for how the university should operate following the easing of restrictions from 19 July.
We are looking forward to welcoming more of you back on site. As restrictions ease, we can enjoy re-connecting with colleagues and friends, and a gradual return to normal life on campus.
In considering plans for the next phase, our priorities are the safety and wellbeing of our community, and the continued delivery of our education and research mission. We have reviewed carefully the government's guidance for HE providers which notes that we are autonomous institutions with individual circumstances and we should continue to make efforts to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19. As the UK’s specialist health university, St George’s is co-located with the university hospital and, as such, we have a duty towards patients, as well as to staff, students and visitors.
Guidance on face masks to remain
Anyone on the university site should continue to wear Type II face masks when in communal areas, in clinical and lab settings and in crowded areas which could include lecture theatres if they are at capacity. If you wish to wear a face mask anywhere else on site, for example in open plan offices, please feel able to do so.
Testing
All of us should be undertaking twice weekly Covid-19 testing to break the chains of transmission. You can collect packs of Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Covid tests on site, to use at home. Please be aware that there are different types of LFD tests and it is important you follow the instructions provided in each pack.
Please report your test result within 24 hours and link your test to St George’s when doing so.
See further information about how to collect your test kit on site and record your result.
If you have Covid symptoms, please stay at home and arrange a PCR test as soon as possible.
Further ways to minimise risks
The government is advising us to continue to be cautious while the prevalence of Covid-19 cases is high. The following points apply to any time you spend on the St George’s site:
• Adhere to room capacity limits, let fresh air into enclosed spaces, opening windows and doors (excluding fire doors) where possible.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand gel frequently and whenever arriving on or leaving any space on campus.
• Limit your contact with people you do not usually live with, keeping your distance where you can.
• Stay at home if you feel unwell and, if you have Covid symptoms, get a PCR test.
• If you enter a space with an official NHS QR code poster, please check in.
We will continue to ensure facilities and surfaces are cleaned regularly, providing additional resources for individual hand cleaning, along with clear signposting.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you should undertake a personal risk assessment. Please see the government’s updated guidance.
Campus arrangements
From 19 July, there will be more freedom of movement on site, with one-way systems no longer in operation. Room capacities will be increased, although there may still be some restrictions to ensure adequate ventilation. Maximum capacities are listed on the doors for all meeting rooms and are based on ventilation as well as dimensions.
Catering and retail outlets on site are open, including the Students’ Union Bar which is serving customers on Wednesday - Friday evenings and can otherwise be used as a circulation space on weekdays for both staff and students. The Multifaith and Quiet Contemplation Room (MFQCR) is open from 08:00-22:00 on weekdays.
Future ways of working
In line with the roadmap set out through the Future Ways of Working project, from 19 July all staff should attend site as required by their role. As part of a gradual return, we expect those who have been working remotely to attend site at least 1 day per week but they are encouraged to attend more if they would like to, if it would facilitate their work, or if required to by their line manager for operational reasons.
Local arrangements agreed at Director level may apply for business or health and safety reasons. This could include agreeing start and finish times to enable staff and students to travel at quieter times on the transport network.
While many staff have worked on site throughout the pandemic, we recognise that some who have been based remotely for many months will be anxious or unsure about returning to site. We are running workshops over the summer to support managers and staff through the transition ahead. Find out more about the programme and how to book here. We are also arranging ‘Welcome (back) campus tours’ for staff (old and new). Book a tour here.
We have published a set of FAQs about what to expect through the phase ahead, which include a link to the updated Flexible Working Procedure.
Taking personal responsibility
The government is urging us all to take personal responsibility to live with Covid. Please get fully vaccinated as soon as you can, self-isolate when required to do so, get tested regularly and help reduce the chance of transmission in busy areas on site or elsewhere. Read the government guidance in full on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The Covid guidance on our website has been updated to be relevant for the next phase. We are revising our institutional risk assessment which will be published on the site shortly.
Thank you for all that you continue to do for your colleagues and your community to help us through the pandemic.
Best wishes,
Paul Ratcliffe
Chief Operating Officer