We are very aware that the unusual circumstances in which we all find ourselves are putting additional pressure on everyone and we want to reassure you that structures are in place to offer support.
This is a testing time, but we are confident that by looking out for each other and seeing new ways to work and support one another, we will discover new depths of strength and resilience within ourselves, individually and collectively.
If we all maintain these guidelines, we will stay safe and well and the College will be a positive environment for study and work for all members of the College community.
Current government guidelines are available here, and University guidelines are available here.
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Keep your distance
The College site has been prepared to allow for 2 metre distancing at all times as far as possible. One-way systems are in place in some areas and there are floor markings to help maintain 2 metre distancing and to guide you around the site. You should endeavour to maintain 2 metres from anyone you meet at all times, both inside the buildings and outside in the Quadrangles.
2 metres distancing will be maintained in all teaching situations, including those involving students living in the same bubble. Your Director of Studies or Tutor will have contacted you prior to setting up teaching to ascertain if you will be wearing a face covering and will arrange teaching face-to-face or online accordingly. This is to safeguard all participants in each session and to ensure that all are in agreement with the arrangements in place and that they meet University regulations. If you have said you will be wearing a face covering and arrive without one, please expect to be reminded to put one on.
The dining hall has been prepared with a one-way system (entrance from the Quad, with marquees in place to allow for socially distanced queuing and storage of coats and bags) and exit through the door by the main staircase. The tables have been prepared to allow for 2 metre dining, with a maximum of 26 people dining at each sitting. ALL MEALS WILL NEED TO BE BOOKED.
No visitors should be invited for lunch or dinner.
The Library has been prepared for 2 metre distanced use by up to 31 students. A ‘Click and Collect’ service is being set up and information will be circulated when it is available.
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Wash your hands
Hand sanitisers have been placed around the College site at entrances, exits, outside public rooms and in other frequently used places. You are encouraged to use these and normal hand washing facilities regularly, following the guidelines on suitable hand washing methods, and particularly after touching any surface which might have been touched by others.
Please try to reduce the number of surfaces you touch – e.g. when opening doors use a clothed elbow, or if using the photocopier try to use a pen or other suitable implement rather than fingers when touching the screen. A soft-tipped pen suitable for use on a tablet/ipad is ideal, or the corner of a University Card holder.
New and more frequent cleaning regimes are in place so please be sensitive and accommodating when the domestic staff are carrying out their duties.
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Wear a face covering
A FACE COVERING OR AN OFFICIALLY-ISSUED EXEMPTION LANYARD SHOULD BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.
Lanyards with appropriate notices are available for students who are exempt from wearing face coverings; please contact reception@regents.ox.ac.uk for information about being issued with a lanyard.
Face coverings are fabric coverings for the nose and mouth. (A face mask is a form of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a fluid-resistant surgical mask, typically used in healthcare settings.) A face visor or shield is an additional level of protection but is NOT a face covering and a face covering should also be worn when a visor/shield is being used.
Face coverings will be worn in all face-to-face tutorials and teaching sessions.
Face coverings do not need to be worn in the Quadrangles at present but 2 metres distancing must be maintained at all times. This will be kept under review and guidance may change.
Please see the University’s face covering policy for more information: https://www.ox.ac.uk/coronavirus/health/face-coverings
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Got symptoms? Get a test!
The University has an in-house COVID-19 testing service which is open to all staff and students of the University and colleges, providing rapid access to free testing. SSO is required and users must be on the University network, Oxford University eduroam or VPN. It is hoped that this service will be available outside the University’s network in the near future.
For more information go to https://www.ox.ac.uk/coronavirus/health/covid-testing
If any staff or student receive a positive test result through a route other than the University Early Alert service (e.g. via the national NHS service), it must be reported by completing the form for reporting external coronavirus positive results, continue to self-isolate (University information on self-isolating), and report your absence to your line manager and college by e-mailing the Single Point of Contact. The information provided will enable the University and the college to take any action that may be appropriate to protect our community, and to maintain a full picture of the prevalence of COVID-19 within the collegiate University. The form can also be used on behalf of others with a positive result if necessary.
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Contacted by track and trace? Stay at home.
If you are contacted by track and trace you should self-isolate immediately in your room or private accommodation as applicable. You must notify the College Single Point of Contact. If you develop any symptoms while self-isolating you should book a test immediately either through the NHS or the University’s in-house testing service above.
University information on self isolating is available here.
Arrangements are available through the Welfare Team for providing food and support.