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Tier 3 Covid regulations in force from today

From Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience

Thank you for your commitment to your studies this term, for working so hard throughout these challenging times and for endeavouring to keep both yourselves and the whole of our community as safe as possible.

You will no doubt be aware that the national lockdown has now ended, and Tier 3 Covid regulations come into force in both Canterbury and Medway from today (2 December 2020). Tier 3 is classed as Very High Risk, meaning it remains vitally important that we all comply with the guidance to ensure we keep our community safe.

I would like to remind you of the Tier 3 guidance:

  • No household mixing indoors or in private gardens – please do not socialise with those you do not live with. This means no visitors to your student accommodation.
  • The ‘rule of 6’ applies when meeting others outdoors in public areas such as parks. You can meet outdoors in a group of up to six people you do not live with, providing you abide by social distancing.
  • The Government is advising against travelling in and out of the area in which you live. Please be aware however that the Student Travel Window (3-9 December 2020) still applies. You can travel from your term-time to permanent address for the Winter vacation period. However, please do not make other non-essential journeys.

Do please follow the Government guidelines set out above and ensure you follow Hands, Face, Space, Test guidance.

Please remember that unless you are in an exempt categoryyou should be wearing a face covering when inside University buildings, including teaching spaces, catering outlets, the library and other communal areas. You should also wear a face covering in the local community, when in shops and on public transport.

I do appreciate that this has been a challenging term. Please be assured we are doing everything we can to provide the best possible student experience whilst we adhere to the Government guidelines.

On campus, most of our outlets will remain open offering a takeaway service until 11 December 2020. Opening hours will vary during the Christmas and New Year vacation. Our sports facilities open on 3 December 2020 with reduced provision to ensure we comply with Tier 3 guidance. You can access all our study facilities and library services; these will remain open over the Christmas vacation for those of you staying with us.

I will contact you again shortly to provide further information on our plans for the Spring term. I encourage you to continue to engage with all your teaching sessions until term ends on 18 December 2020, and thank you again for your dedication to your studies during these challenging times.