An email from the Vice Chancellor to students has announced new COVID-19 advice in light of the Omicron variant.
The email requests students continue to follow existing COVID-19 policies and measures on campus and strongly recommends students wear “face coverings during teaching sessions and when moving around buildings”.
For students staying in York over the winter break: “The Wentworth College symptom-free rapid testing centre remains available”, and students have been encouraged to take a lateral flow test before travelling home for the break.
The email also notes: “if you need to isolate, our comprehensive support continues, including vouchers for food and support for your mental health and wellbeing.”
“If you are still due your second jab, or have not had your first, the vaccination centre at Askham Bar in York will be open throughout the holidays, and if you’re away from York elsewhere in the UK you can also get vaccinated at a vaccine centre near you.”
Finally, the Vice Chancellor asked students to “please check email over the break so we can keep you updated and informed of any new action to take”.
“We continue carefully to manage and assess our policies so that our Spring Term can continue as planned, including our commitment to in-person teaching. We will of course keep following UK Government guidance to inform our decisions.”
YUSU have also issued new advice to student groups, asking them to encourage members to wear face coverings when attending in-person, indoor sessions, and when moving around buildings.