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Covid-19 update – 1 September 2020

Our Covid-19 Programme Board, now chaired by Sinead Critchley, Director of Governance and Assurance at the University, continues to plan for a safe return to campus for us all.

Among latest updates from the Board’s weekly meetings are:

Health and Safety

Face coverings should be worn in transit areas of buildings, entrances, exits, foyers etc. Signage is being placed in buildings to reflect this. For ease, signage will say ‘Face coverings must be worn in this building’. Please note this does not apply in staff offices/break rooms as these are all organised at 2m social distancing therefore a face covering is not required.

From 1 September the majority of Canterbury and Medway campus buildings have reverted to their previous normal opening hours, with free-flow and/or card access exactly as before the Covid-19 closure. You can find a list of exceptions on SharePoint. Those staff working on campus are asked to keep their offices locked and alert Campus Security of any unusual or suspicious behaviour. All access control rights will be reinstated to staff and students from 1 September, but please note that there is no change to the policies regarding staff return.

New signage is being placed on single occupancy offices to discourage one to one meetings with students being held in these spaces. Building managers will be responsible for displaying this signage. In addition, capacity limits on toilets are to be removed to prevent pinch points once students return. New signage will be displayed asking users to be aware the toilets may be busy and to potentially find alternative facilities.

New and returning students

Information for students is contained on the following sites and downloadable campaign materials are now available on our Welcome-2020 webpages.

Corporate Communications are working on a campaign to encourage positive behaviours among staff, students and visitors on campus. Work is also taking place with Canterbury City Council, residents’ associations and other local partners to support students’ return to the community.