From Professor Karen Cox, Vice-Chancellor and President.

I wanted to contact you following the Prime Minister’s announcement this evening. You will be aware that, from Thursday 5 November, England will be entering into a four-week lockdown. However, unlike the previous period of lockdown, the Government has decided that ‘universities will remain open’.

We are now working through the implications of tonight’s announcement for staff and students and reviewing any adjustments that may be required to the way we currently deliver teaching, undertake research, provide support to our students and our staff and manage campus and University operations.

For the next few days, please continue to work in line with the arrangements in place and agreed with your line manager/school, and we will be back in touch with you during the day on Monday with an update on the current situation.

If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your line manager in the first instance.

Finally, I want to reassure you that the numbers of those testing positive for Covid-19 at the University remain low. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff are our key priority and we continue to work closely with the local public health protection team and will be taking their advice on any changes that may be required to the way we are operating.

Thank you to all of you for your continued contributions and support during these challenging times.

My very best wishes to you and your family.

Yours sincerely

Karen

Professor Karen Cox | Vice-Chancellor and President