Protecting ourselves and our community from COVID and the new Omicron variant

As a university community we must remain vigilant to ensure that our infection and transmission rates continue to remain low, particularly when faced with the new Omicron variant.

In England, temporary measures have been put in place by the government to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

New legal requirements

1. Wearing face coverings in campus shops is now a legal requirement.
2. Self-isolation for ten days is required for close contacts of a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant, regardless of vaccination status.
3. If you are travelling to the UK, please check the latest travel and isolation requirements. All travellers arriving into the country must take a PCR test and self-isolate until they have received a negative test result.

To keep everyone safe, we ask all members of our University community to adhere to the following measures:

• Face Coverings: The University now requires the use of face coverings in student teaching spaces, study spaces, library, all circulation areas, toilets and kitchens unless you are medically exempt or exempted through specific agreed risk assessment. Masks are available from dispensers around our campuses.
• Get tested: We expect you all to take a COVID-19 test twice weekly either at home or using our asymptomatic testing clinics.
• Symptoms: Please do not come onto our campuses if you have COVID symptoms such as, high temperature, new continuous cough, loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. You should get an NHS PCR test if you experience these symptoms or feel unwell with a headache and runny nose, fatigue or cold/flu symptoms.
• Get vaccinated: We strongly encourage everyone in our community who is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. If you are not already fully vaccinated, or are due for your booster, get booked in to protect yourself and those around you. COVID vaccinations are available for all students.
• Ventilation: It is very important to air rooms frequently by keeping windows open and keeping any air filtration units on.
• Hygiene: Please remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and water, wipe work and study stations before and after use; and avoid sharing equipment and stationery with others.

We have all worked hard to keep our campus safe, and we appreciate this may be an anxious time. Following these new measures will help protect everyone.

Links to useful information

• Vaccinations for Essex students
• COVID-19 testing