UK 2020 reopening buildings and campuses - COVID19

UK 2020 reopening buildings and campuses – COVID19

04/06/202004/06/2020 Puneet Chawla Uncategorized

UK 2020 reopening buildings and campuses – COVID19

Institutions and students will need to have regard to any guidance that relates to residents or visitors travelling to the UK, who will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and complete a contact detail declaration from 8 June.

Students will also need to have regard to pre-existing transport guidance to ensure that they are safely travelling from their entry port to their accommodation (see further advice on using transport safely above). While it is for institutions to decide how they support international students, we believe it is important that you make every effort to welcome them to the UK and your responsibilities should start as soon as a student lands, if not before.

Similar to the advice provided for students – both domestic and international – who isolated during the lockdown, you are responsible for ensuring students are safe and well looked after during the 14 day self-isolation period. Existing guidance is available at isolation for residential educational settings.

You should also consider the needs of students, including international students, who may be suffering hardship or be without the ability to travel as a result of the outbreak.

Higher education provision

Reopening laboratories

We are aware that universities are keen to resume research work quickly. We published guidance on Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), including in laboratories and research facilities. The same considerations might apply to laboratory science teaching as well if it can be done in a way that reduces risks to those using the facilities.

This guidance includes advice on carrying out a risk assessment to assess the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the need to protect clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals. It points out that the Health and Safety Executive may take action to improve control of workplace risks if needed, e.g. through the issue of enforcement notices to help secure improvements.

Reopening other buildings

It would be for HE providers to assess the risk of opening other buildings and to implement suitable precautions. It may be appropriate to consider reopening low-density buildings first, for example, computer laboratories, as a phased way of extending access to the campus while safeguarding the needs of staff and students. Depending on the nature of facilities, the guidance on Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) provides examples appropriate to HE.

Libraries are currently required by law to cease their business during the emergency period (regulation 5(1) of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020). However, they are allowed to provide services for orders made via website or on-line communications, telephones, and text messaging, and post. You might, therefore, consider how to make library services available in line with those methods.

In order to determine what level of attendance is appropriate in HE settings and in conducting open days, outreach activity, and the assessment of prospective students on campus, particularly in the forthcoming academic year, you should conduct risk assessments in order to understand:

the number of learners and staff likely to be included in a learning space and whether they can be accommodated as safely as possible
the availability of staff, including contingency plans should individuals be shielding or self-isolating
supporting services required in increasing the number of individuals on-site (for example, catering) and how they can be provided as safely as possible
what measures in addition to those that have already been undertaken during the current lockdown will need to be in place to accommodate additional numbers (including additional cleaning required of spaces and equipment following use)

Settings should implement a range of protective measures including increased cleaning, reducing ‘pinch points’ (such as at the start and end of day), and utilising outdoor space. You may find the general guidance for safe workplaces, particularly managing entrance to, exit from and movement around buildings, as well as signage, a useful resource. Any additional costs would be funded from existing budgets. Staff and students will be eligible for testing if they develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), as will members of their households if they become symptomatic. A negative test will enable staff and students to get back to their education. If they test positive, you will need to take measures to protect other students and members of staff. New workplace guidance on the test and trace programme will be relevant to providers.

We recognise that, for many courses, online teaching and learning is working effectively and has a high degree of learner engagement (while it will also benefit those who are not able to physically attend, for example those with family members who are shielding). You should identify the appropriate mix of online and face-to-face content for each subject, reflecting what will maximise learning as well as supporting more vulnerable learners, and enabling the provider as a whole to minimise transmission risk.

Certain types of course, for example in the performing arts, have involved a degree of practical face-to-face teaching and assessment. Some providers have found alternative methods during the current period of lockdown. You might consider how to encourage new ways of delivering in-person teaching and assessment that adhere to guidelines on social distancing, so that all students can receive a high-quality educational experience in a way that protects both students and staff.

Some providers will have programmes designed for “elite” athletes (for example, who are on elite development pathways). In such cases, the guidance on returning to training for elite sport will be of relevance.

In considering allowing people back onto campus, you should take account of public health guidance on staying safe outside one’s home and in public spaces. The public health guidance is to avoid crowds and maintain safe social distancing. Providers will find relevant guidance at:

Risk assessments

As part of the process of opening up buildings and campuses to staff and students, you should produce risk assessments for both working and communal environments, which will vary significantly based on the needs and circumstances of individual institutions. We encourage HE providers to share examples of best practice.

Transport

Transport will be important for students, and for many staff, who need to travel to the campus. Providers may also arrange transport. You will therefore want to have regard to the guidance for passengers and operators. The current advice is to avoid public transport where possible or to take precautions where social distancing is not possible:

Source: https://www.gov.uk/