For the attention of those students currently living or studying on campus or visiting to access campus facilities.
As many of you have already heard, yesterday we had to take the difficult decision to cancel all remaining non-essential on-campus student activities a week earlier than planned. This is due to a rapid increase in the number of positive cases of Covid-19 among students on the Canterbury campus.
While we have no evidence that the rise in cases is linked to our events or the use of campus facilities, given the national picture and the number of you that are needing to self-isolate both on and off campus, we needed to take this step as a precaution.
We know how disappointing this news is, and we share your frustration that the ongoing pandemic has once again disrupted our plans to come together. For those who have booked onto paid activities, event organisers will be in touch soon with further details regarding refunds.
With the exception of those already self-isolating, we are now advising anyone who was planning to leave campus at the end of this week to travel home at the earliest opportunity to ensure we do all we can to minimise the risk of further cases.
Returning home
- Anyone who is currently self-isolating must stay where they are until their period of self-isolation comes to an end. You do not need to undertake any further tests before leaving. Please email CovidSupport@kent.ac.uk if you have any concerns.
- If you have tested positive in the last 90 days, you should not undertake any further tests before leaving due to the likelihood of a false positive result.
- If travelling within the UK: you should obtain an asymptomatic (symptom-free) lateral flow test before you leave. If you test negative, you can return home. If you test positive, you must self-isolate immediately, get a PCR test and let us know.
- If travelling abroad: For those of you who have already made plans to travel abroad, there is no need to change them. Check you testing requirements and find out more from the UK Government’s travel advice or contact the UK-based embassy for your destination country. If you experience any difficulties with this, please contact CovidSupport@kent.ac.uk.
Walk-in on-site asymptomatic (symptom free) lateral flow tests are available in the Sibson Building from 09.30 – 19.15 daily where you can also pick up home testing kits.
If you do need to self-isolate, we will do everything we can to support you while you remain on campus.
If you need to stay on campus
For those of you who need to stay in accommodation longer for study or personal reasons, including KMMS students and postgraduates, the campus remains open providing essential services and support.
As you know, over the last 18 months we have introduced a considerable number of effective on-campus Covid-secure measures and the University and Kent Union will be continuing to provide a range of essential campus facilities and services including the Templeman Library, study areas, shops and Rutherford Dining Hall.
Staying safe
Whatever your plans, please do remember that despite the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, Covid-19 is still with us and it is vital that we all:
- Continue to get tested regularly using asymptomatic (symptom-free) lateral flow tests
- Continue to follow NHS advice and Government guidance even if you continue to test negative
- Learn how to recognise the symptoms of new variant Covid-19 – see the FAQs on our latest Covid-19 update
- Self-isolate immediately, get a PCR test and let us know if you think you have symptoms or you receive a positive test result. Please do not go to an asymptomatic testing centre if you have symptoms or are self-isolating.
Thank you for your continued understanding in this, and for the exemplary way you have all approached this most challenging of years. I wish you the very best for the summer break.
Richard
Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience