Authenticating...
By: Communications
Last updated on 28 February 2022
The Government recently [Monday 21 February] announced that all COVID-19 restrictions in England would soon be lifted – you can find the full guidance on their website.
Please read the guidance below to see how this will affect UEA staff and students.
Self-isolation
Although the legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19 will be removed from Thursday 24 February, the University strongly recommends that anyone who tests positive stays at home and does not come on to campus for at least five days after a positive test. If you’re a student living on campus, it is recommended that you remain in your accommodation for at least five days after a positive test. This is in line with Government guidance.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, you’re also strongly advised to stay at home and not to come to campus for five days from your symptoms starting.
If you have a negative test result, but are feeling unwell, we ask you to be considerate to others and exercise personal responsibility about coming on to campus.
Staff – if you are unwell or need to isolate (and unable to work from home), University sick pay will apply.
Students – if you are unwell or need to isolate and might therefore miss in-person teaching, please contact your module organise or academic adviser.
Face coverings
Face coverings will no longer be required in University buildings. We know some staff and students may wish to continue to wear them. Please be respectful of an individual’s choice on this matter.
Staff and students operating in other professional environments (including the NHS) must follow the face covering guidance for those settings.
Testing and reporting
The Government has announced they have removed the guidance for staff and students in higher education settings to undertake twice weekly asymptomatic testing from Monday 21 February. This does not apply to students on placement in healthcare or healthcare related settings, who will be required to undertake twice weekly testing in line with NHS or regulatory body guidance.
Government regulations also stipulate that the University will no longer be able to distribute lateral flow test kits on campus. For the latest information on ordering lateral flow tests, please visit the Government website. While free testing kits will be harder to come by, we would encourage those who have access to test kits to continue testing regularly and to stay away from campus or remain in UEA Accommodation if you live on campus for at least five days if you test positive.
From Thursday 24 February, you will no longer be required to inform the University if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are self-isolating, unless you are in, or are about to go on placement in a health or healthcare related setting, in line with local and/or NHS or regulatory body guidance. Please report your absence for COVID-19 as you would any other absence by informing your Placement Provider, the LTS Placements team and your School; please let your Placement Provider know that you have COVID-19.
If you’re a member of staff or a postgraduate researcher, please bear in mind that the normal sickness absence procedures continue to apply, and you must contact your manager or postgraduate research supervisor to notify them if you are unable to work or need to isolate.
Vaccinations
Vaccination remains a vital part of reducing transmission, so we continue to encourage all students and staff to get fully vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccinations will be available on campus on Monday 7 March, inside the LCR from 10am until 5pm for first, second and booster jabs, and no booking is required.
Cleaning, sanitisation, ventilation and preventative measures
You are encouraged to continue to use hand sanitiser and wipes in shared spaces around campus. Perspex screens in reception areas (or elsewhere where they have been specifically requested) will remain in place until after Easter. Good ventilation remains important, and windows should be opened where possible.
The University will continue with enhanced touch point cleaning routines across campus.
Teaching and Assessment
In-person teaching will continue to go ahead this semester as planned. If students have any questions about their timetable, modules or assessments, please contact the Student Information Zone either in-person or by email or live chat. It should be noted that OSCE assessment for FMH students and isolation areas required for OSCEs are to be treated as if in a placement setting, and therefore prior testing and the guidance on isolation for symptomatic students or students who have tested positive should be strictly adhered to.
Face-to-face data collection with human participants
Staff and students can resume face-to-face data collection with human participants without the requirement for detailed risk assessments from Thursday 24 February. Remote options should also be considered for those that cannot or do not want to participate face-to-face.
What should I do if I have concerns?
Your health, wellbeing and safety remains our top priority and we recognise that the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions will be a significant change for everyone after the last two years.
Staff and postgraduate researchers - Members of staff or postgraduate researchers who feel particularly concerned about returning to campus, should consult their line manager or supervisory team to agree how to build their confidence over the coming weeks. Managers may like to consider re-introduction days/meetings for team members who have been away for a long time.
Students - If you do have any concerns, please do get in touch with:
Alternatively, students can submit feedback anonymously to the University via the We’re Listening platform.
UEA weekly update on COVID-19 cases – Last updated: Monday 20 June 2022
|
Students |
Staff |
||
Date |
No. of weekly positive COVID-19 cases (last 24 hours) |
Cumulative positive COVID-19 cases (last seven days) |
No. of weekly positive COVID-19 cases (last 24 hours) |
Cumulative positive COVID-19 cases (last seven days) |
Monday 13 June - Monday 20 June | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
UEA, along with other universities, is required to provide a daily update on COVID-19 cases to the Department for Education (DfE). We are making this information publicly available.
The information in the table above relates to a daily period from midnight to midnight which is reported to DfE by 2pm on the next day. We are required by DfE to provide a rolling seven-day total of cases (split by staff and students).
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