From: Dan Todman [d.w.todman@qmul.ac.uk]

 

Hello fellow historian,

 

You may have seen the explanation this afternoon from the Chief Medical Officer of how very transmissible the Omicron variant is, and the prediction of very rapidly rising Coronavirus case numbers in the coming days. You will also have seen from the most recent update from the Principal (copied below my signature) that QMUL is committed, in line with government guidance, to maintaining in-person education. To give us the best chance of achieving that goal, I’d like everyone, students and staff, to do as many of the following as they can over the next two days:

 

 a) lateral flow test before attending seminars (details of lft availability on campus are in the Principal’s email below)

b) if you have any symptoms, even mild ones, be cautious and don’t come in

c) wear a face covering unless you are exempt – don’t wait to be asked – unless you are exempt, bring a face covering and wear it please in seminars as well as when moving around indoors.

 

I know lots of you are doing some of these already. Well done. Let’s step up what we’re doing collectively to keep each other safe.

 

I cannot require that you do any of them, but I do expect that all members of the School will want to do as many of these as they can to help each other

 

If you are not coming in because you have symptoms, or you are isolating following a positive test, please let your seminar teacher know as soon as possible. The more warning you give us, the more chance that we can arrange remote access via an OWL. If you are undertaking an in-class assessment, can’t attend because you have symptoms or are isolating, and let your seminar tutor know, you can apply for an extension via the link on the QMPlus History Landing Page Quick Links section here, and won’t be penalised.

 

Vaccinations and boosters are the most important line of defence nationally, but for the last two days of the semester lateral flow testing, caution with regard to symptoms and face coverings are additional steps we can all take to help reduce the transmission of the virus. Let’s take those steps together to help everyone get through to the end of the semester safely.

 

Best regards

Dan

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Dear student,

 

I hope this email finds you well. The holiday period is nearly upon us! The main purpose of this message is to wish you the very best of the festive season, and a very happy new year. If you have a moment, please have a look at this video message that highlights some of the best moments of 2021.

 

Please plan to come back to our campuses for the start of Semester 2!

 

As you know, under the new government guidance, all face-to-face teaching and research can continue at universities. This means there will be no impact on your educational experience at Queen Mary, and you should continue to come to our campuses for your face-to-face educational activities, to study and to engage in research as needed for your course. All our student support services, our libraries, study spaces, University-run cafes etc and our residences will remain fully open, as they are now.

 

We are fully expecting this position to continue in the new year, so if you are travelling over the holiday period please do plan to come back for the beginning of next semester. The University will be fully open from 4 January, and all our students should be back as planned for the beginning of Semester 2. There are plenty of student facilities open over the break as well. Also, remember that if you are struggling or need help at any time, even over the holiday period, please reach out. We are here to support you.

 

Places to study, eat and drink and socialise over the Christmas break

 

I know many of you are coming back to exams in January. Good luck to all of you! There are plenty of places to study open on our campuses over the holiday period: visit the Library Services website for more details. Make sure you look after yourself while you are studying: there is information about where to eat, drink and relax, and where to access wellbeing support on our campuses on our website.

 

In addition, our Students’ Union has created a handy Facebook page for students staying in London/on campus over the festive period. You can use this page to catch up with others during the break and find lots of information about events and activities running in London, as well as details of the Students’ Union buildings and services opening hours.

 

Lateral flow testing

 

Can I remind everyone that you should aim to take a lateral flow test (LFT) at least twice a week. Home test kits are available from our campuses. The new guidance advises that students planning to travel over the holiday period should take a test before they go, and before they return. Please remember to register the result of the test with the NHS, even if it’s negative. Registering the result is extremely important since it allows health authorities to see that regular testing is taking place at our University.

 

A recent update to the government guidance states that anyone who is a close contact of someone with Covid-19, including the new variant, should take a LFT every day for seven days, but you do not have to self-isolate if you are fully vaccinated.

 

Vaccination centre

 

The single most important thing we can all do to keep safe is get vaccinated. If you have not yet been vaccinated please go and get a jab! We are hosting a vaccination centre on our Mile End campus, which can be used by students, staff and the general public. You can either book via the NHS or attend as a drop-in. If you have had one jab, please do make sure you get your second, and also book for your booster jab as soon as you can. You can get your booster at our vaccine centre, either as a booked appointment or by dropping in as soon as you are eligible.

 

That’s it from me for 2021. Have a wonderful, well-earned break and please accept my best wishes for the festive season and the new year. See you all next year on campus! I will only write to you over the holiday if there is an urgent update.

 

Best wishes,

 

Colin