In February, following changes to government Covid-19 guidance, we were in touch to let you know about safety measures that would remain in place at Warwick until the end of term 2 (18 March 2022). We’re now sharing an update about our approach for the rest of this academic year.

The government has released a ‘Living with Covid-19’ plan which details that the remaining legal requirements linked to Covid-19 are being removed after 1 April. There is also a high level of immunity within our population, accompanied by high levels of vaccination in the University - this means we’re now in a position to review our approach and the Covid-19 safety measures on campus.

Read on for details about our approach from 19 March 2022 until the end of this academic year.

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Face coverings

Staff and students are strongly advised to continue wearing a face covering in teaching and learning spaces, and when moving around office space.

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Stay at home if you have Covid-19 symptoms

We strongly recommend that you stay at home if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or any other infectious diseases, or if you test positive for Covid-19. You should let your manager know and follow normal sickness absence reporting procedure, including reporting on SuccessFactors.

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Testing

(updated April 2022)

In accordance with its Living with Covid-19 strategy, the Government has now stopped the Test and Trace Programmes so we can no longer offer this on campus, nor are we allowed to distribute lateral flow tests as from end of March 2022.

If staff and students feel unwell, we recommend you stay at home and let your Personal Tutor know (or contact your department Senior Tutor if you’re unable to reach your Personal Tutor) in the case of students, or your manager in the case of staff, following normal sickness absence reporting procedure including reporting on SuccessFactors.

To find out more about testing, see the NHS information on testing for coronavirus.

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Vaccinations

The high vaccination rate nationally and vaccine uptake within our University community has played a key part in being able to return to campus, face-to-face teaching and other in-person activity. It’s really important to get vaccinated if you haven’t already, to help keep everyone safe on campus. We will continue to let you know about vaccination clinics at the University Health Centre or pop-up vaccination clinics.

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Clinically extremely vulnerable people

Although the shielding programme and specific guidance for clinically vulnerable people ended in England in September 2021, we recognise that Covid-19 may still be a greater concern for people who were previously considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable. We would encourage you to discuss any concerns about return to campus with your line manager. There is guidance for managers on supporting staff with concerns.

The University also offers a range of support and wellbeing services that may be helpful.

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MyDelivery service

MyDelivery service was set up to support students who were self-isolating, so that items needed could be safely delivered directly to campus accommodation. As self-isolation is no longer legally required, the service will end after this week. The service was being delivered by existing members of the Warwick Food and Drink team, so they will now return to their substantive roles.

We are strongly recommending that students stay in their accommodation if they’re unwell and if they do need support accessing items, they can contact a member of the Residential Life Team.

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Student Experience Ambassadors

Student Experience Ambassadors (SEAs) were recruited to support in study spaces and other areas on campus, providing guidance and direction on the behaviour required during Covid-19. As a result of changes to guidance, the SEAs will no longer be on campus after term 2, 2022. The team recruited for this year are being supported to apply where possible for other roles at the University.

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Teaching, learning and assessments

We’ll continue with a blended teaching, learning and assessment model for the rest of this academic year.

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Ventilation

In many spaces across campus we have automated ventilation, which provides adequate fresh air and avoids air re-circulation as much as possible.

In spaces with opening windows, staff and students are encouraged to keep doors and windows open when occupied for air flow, where it is possible, safe and secure.

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Hybrid working

We’ll maintain hybrid working where it’s appropriate for staff members. Please talk to your line manager or Head of Department if you need guidance on local arrangements for hybrid working where your role allows for this.

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Department Risk Assessments

Health and Safety Services have created a template general risk assessment which departments will be responsible for adopting and adapting to reflect their respective operational activities.

Please see the revised Risk Assessment process.

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Covid-19 working group

The group stopped meeting from 16 March 2022, with the Risk and Resilience team co-ordinating further actions as required.

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