Students will be asked to stagger their return to universities
after Christmas to help protect those around them and reduce
transmission of Covid-19, the Government has announced today (2
December).
New
guidance published by the Department for Education will set
out how higher education providers should manage student returns
over a five-week period according to the following:
- From 4 - 18 January, medical students, those on placements or
practical courses with a need for in-person teaching
should return in line with their planned start dates.
- The remaining courses should be offered online from the
beginning of term so students can continue their studies from
home.
- From 25 January, all other students should start to return
gradually over a two-week period, and by 7 February all students
are expected to have returned.
All students should be offered Covid tests when they return to
university to help identify and isolate those who are
asymptomatic but could spread the virus. All universities will be
offered testing facilities to give students two lateral flow
tests, three days apart, with results turned around within an
hour to help control the spread of the virus.
These measures will be crucial to manage returns carefully and
protect students, staff and local communities while reducing
disruption to education.
The Government has also announced a one-off fund of up to £20
million to help students most in need of support in these
exceptional circumstances.
Universities Minister said:
“The health and wellbeing of students, staff and local
communities is always our primary concern and
this plan will enable a safer return for all students. But we
must do this in a way which minimises the risk of transmission.
“I know students have had to make sacrifices this year and have
faced a number of challenges, but this staggered return will help
to protect students, staff and communities.
“It is so important students have the support they need to
continue their education, which is why we are providing up to
£20m funding for those facing hardship in these exceptional
times.”
Health Secretary said:
“We must use every tool at our disposal to stop the spread of the
virus and help reduce the risks around students travelling back
home this Christmas. Using new technology and the additional
capacity we have built, we are now able to extend our testing
offer to help manage this risk, by identifying those showing no
symptoms who can infect people unknowingly and stop them from
passing the virus on to others as they move around the country.
“I encourage all students to play their part in bringing this
virus under control by getting tested twice, and by following the
restrictions in place when travelling to and from University this
term.”
Universities should tailor plans to best suit the needs of their
own student population. They should also consider prioritising
those who may need to return to campus earlier for other reasons
such as students who do not have access to appropriate
accommodation or study space.
The Government expects universities to maintain the quality,
quantity and accessibility of their tuition. The Office for
Students will be monitoring universities to ensure this happens.
The plans for the spring term follow those enabling students to
return home for the Christmas break, with 126 universities
offering mass testing for students before they leave in the
‘travel window’ between 3 – 9 December.
Mass testing will help break transmission among students
especially when they may be asymptomatic. Students should
restrict contact in the three days between their tests and if
they receive a positive test they will have to self-isolate in
their accommodation.
Universities should continue to provide additional support to
students who are isolating to ensure they can access food and
medical supplies if needed, along with mental health support.
Where available, students who have spent the winter break in Tier
3 areas where mass community testing is on offer should take a
test before travelling back to university if possible.
Along with developments in mass testing using new rapid ‘lateral
flow’ tests and other advances in medical technologies and
protective measures, this should allow for a more normal spring
term and a better experience for students and staff.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Before travelling students are advised to book travel in
advance, avoid busy times and routes and check their journey to
avoid disruptions. If driving only travel with members of your
household or support bubble, and follow safer
travel advice guidelines. On public transport it is
important that travellers wear a face covering unless exempt,
wash or sanitise hands regularly, use contactless payment and
keep 2m distance where possible.
- In line with wider government guidance, students who feel
they need to return earlier than the guidance suggests due to
exceptional circumstances (e.g. a lack of study space
or for mental health reasons) can do so.
