COVID-19 daily briefing (Staff) - Wednesday 18 March 2020 (update at 11:30)

Every day we will be issuing a daily update staff and students. We will aim to issue these by 11:00 each morning to enable us to reflect on and respond to the latest changes in Government policy and the university approach to ensure we are providing the best possible guidance.

Below are the latest updates that relate to staff and students following the Prime Minister’s daily briefing.

Vulnerable and at risk groups

If you are in an ‘at risk’ group, or live with, or care for somebody in one of these groups and you are concerned for their welfare you do not need to come onto campus. Instead you should notify your line manager that you will be making alternative working arrangements with immediate effect. These groups include people who are pregnant, over 70, and those with underlying health conditions.

Support for casual workers

We wish to continue to support our community as much as possible during this difficult time. In order to provide additional support for casual workers engaged through Worklink we have approved exceptional measures. Where individuals are unable to fulfil assignments agreed and scheduled up to 9 April 2020 (for reasons relating to COVID-19), the University will honour these assignments and pay for the scheduled work.

Campus working and teaching

As outlined in yesterday’s message, and based on the current advice relating to educational establishments, the University is rapidly transitioning to online teaching and learning with the intention that we will be fully online by the end of this week.

We are also transitioning to a remote working and restricted campus operations model and therefore staff are reminded to check that they have access to the relevant systems when working remotely and to take any University-owned devices such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets, as well as chargers, home with them every day. Please refer to detailed guidance online for more information.

While many staff will be working remotely there will still be a number of colleagues who will continue to be based on campus in order to ensure that our critical activities such as supporting the welfare of those students who will remain in our residences, carrying out essential research and ensuring that our key systems and facilities continue to operate effectively. We are very grateful for the continued commitment during this challenging time.

Travel guidelines

The latest advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) stipulates that British nationals should now avoid all non-essential foreign travel. This restriction takes place immediately and will remain in place for the next 30 days. Staff and students who live overseas can currently still return home, provided that the country they are in has not imposed international border restrictions or lockdowns. The FCO also warns that British Nationals should keep in mind that flights may be cancelled at short notice or other travel restrictions may be put in place by foreign governments.

Lapworth Museum and Barber Institute closed to the Public

As part of our transition to a restricted campus model, and in line with the latest government guidelines advising people to avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues, we have closed the Lapworth Museum of Geology and Barber Institute of Fine Art to the public.

Future updates

In addition to the daily statements to staff at 11:00, if significant new policy changes are announced, we will of course issue a more immediate update. In the meantime, please continue to refer to our online FAQs for up to date guidance and advice, and contact your line managers/supervisors for any specific information and emergency measures.

With best wishes,
Internal Communications Team

Colleges

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