From Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

As you will have heard, the Government announced last night that the final stage of lockdown easing will not take place until at least 19 July 2021. This means that current coronavirus rules will remain for a further four weeks from 21 June.

While not the news we wanted to hear, we all need to continue to play our part by following Government guidelines throughout what we all hope will be the final stage of the current restrictions; thanks again to all of you for your continued cooperation in this.

Staff Return to Campus

The delayed date means that our roadmap for return to campus has changed and staff who are able to work at home should continue to do so until 19 July.

Do remember that while many will still need to work from home for now, our campuses are open with all social-distancing measures in place – if you want to come in to meet a friend or colleague and see our campuses in the sun, then please do so.

Get Tested for Covid-19

The current enhanced Covid-19 testing period led by Public Health England and Kent County Council ends today, so a huge thank you to everyone who has either taken part in this or supported others to do so. Regular testing remains hugely important for those working or accessing campus – asymptomatic Covid-19 testing is available either on site at both our Canterbury and Medway campuses or using take-home tests.

Kent Summer Fest

Thanks to some careful planning by the project team, we are delighted to still be able to welcome students and staff for our Kent Summer Fest celebrations from 21 June to 2 July, with events largely outdoors and planned with Covid in mind. We are hoping to have a real buzz about the place once more and I look forward to seeing some of you there.

As well as work to support you all with coming back onto campus, we will also shortly share plans for a staff get together later in the summer so we can thank you in person for your continued hard work in what has been such an incredibly challenging year.

With all best wishes,

Richard

Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chair of Covid-19 Silver Command