Students returning to campus

The Government has announced further guidance concerning students’ return to campus and this outlines how the majority should not return to campus until at least 8 March 2021. This date links to the continual roll out of the vaccine programme and, by this time, the four priority population groups should have been vaccinated.

The Government intends to conduct a review of the vaccination programme during week commencing 15 February and this will be announced the following week with an outline of how higher education institutions should provide teaching and student experience for the remainder of the Spring Term. It is likely that a phased return will be recommended, prioritising those students who need access to specialist facilities to complete their study programmes and those in their final year.

We currently have approximately 1,200 students on campus and this number is increasing. It is vital that any students and staff who are working on campus or using campus facilities are tested twice a week for Covid-19. This is a very important part of the Government’s strategy to reduce the spread of the virus. Twice weekly testing is available at our asymptomatic test sites at both Canterbury and Medway.