Current restrictions / Semester 2 arrangements

With effect from 26 December, a six week lockdown has been introduced across Northern Ireland and a new variant of the coronavirus has caused a surge in positive cases across the UK. Members of the University’s leadership team have been monitoring the situation to determine if we need to adjust our plans for second semester.

For the vast majority of colleagues, we do not expect the latest developments to significantly affect your work. You should assume the arrangements that were already in place for your local area will remain unless informed otherwise by your line manager.

Staff will work from home where they can while recognising that many will need to be on campus to fulfil their essential roles. In accordance with the public health guidelines, you should be confident that you are able to travel to campus to carry out essential work that cannot be conducted from home.

• Teaching delivery

  Due to the current public health situation and in line with the NI Executive’s extension of lockdown restrictions until 5 March, the University has taken the decision to extend the current teaching arrangements to 5 March 2021. This means that the majority of teaching will continue to be delivered remotely until that date, with only a small number of exceptions. We will revisit the position again in mid-February to provide as much notice as possible to help staff and students to plan ahead.

  Teaching arrangements

  We expect that for the majority of our students, the teaching plans that were put in place and communicated by Schools earlier this month will remain unchanged.

  The majority of lectures, tutorials and seminars will continue to be delivered online. The following teaching will still go ahead in-person and on campus:

  • Teaching that is practical in nature (for example, lab sessions, clinical skills etc.) that cannot be delivered remotely or deferred to a later date.
  • Face-to-face teaching that is essential for professional accreditation and/or student progression reasons and which cannot be delivered online or deferred to a later date.

  For a minority of students, therefore, it is possible that some classes which cannot continue to be deferred may need take place in person and on campus during this period. Schools will contact students directly to update them on any changes.

  Research students should continue to conduct research from home where possible. Where this is not possible and there is a need to come on to campus (for example into a laboratory), this is considered essential work and students can do so.

  Teaching and learning arrangements will be kept under constant review and we will increase the amount of in-person delivery when circumstances allow. As always, our first priority is the health and safety of all students and staff, and we will continue to adjust our approach and keep you updated as the public health situation evolves. In the meantime, please continue to regularly review the information provided on this website (COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs).

   

• Research

  Research should be conducted from home where possible. Where it is not possible and researchers need to come on to campus (for example into a laboratory), this is considered essential work and colleagues are able to do so.

• Asymptomatic testing

  All staff and students are strongly encouraged to get tested before coming on to campus for any reason and then to arrange regular testing twice a week for as long as you are on campus. Find out more and book a test.

 

 

Covid-19 Information and updates

• Where can I find the latest information and updates?

  To help keep you up-to-date with the latest information and updates, we continue to regularly update information provided on this COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs website.

  This is an evolving situation and staff and students are asked to continue to visit and regularly check the following websites for the latest updates and guidance:

  • the University's FAQs page for students and staff
  • the Public Health Agency website
  • Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website
  • GOV.UK website
  • The World Health Organization
• Where can I access health advice in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?

  Please follow advice published on the PHA website.

  Northern Ireland now has full access to the NHS 111 helpline service on coronavirus. Callers should press 1 when they are advised. This service is provided in Northern Ireland solely for coronavirus guidance and not for other conditions. 

  In the case of medical emergency, call 999.

• What precautions should I be taking?

  It makes sense to practice good hygiene and follow advice published on the PHA website.

  Please remember these three simple steps:

  1. Download the app
  2. Immediately self-isolate if you develop symptoms / test positive
  3. Inform the University if you receive a positive test, have developed symptoms or are self-isolating via our dedicated online platform.

   

  There are other steps we should all be taking on a daily basis. Please continue to:

  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Practice social distancing
  • Wear a face covering if 2 metres social distancing cannot be maintained
  • Follow the latest public health agency advice
  • Review Queen's FAQs for staff and students

   

  Your wellbeing is the University’s first priority. Please do not let any concerns about your work or studies stop you taking this advice.

   

  VIDEO: Dr. Conor Bamford reminds us how the virus spreads and the key things we should all remember.

   

• How can I play my part in preventing the spread of the virus on campus?

  VIDEO: Dr. Conor Bamford reminds us how the virus spreads and the key things we should all remember.

  VIDEO: Dr Lindsay Broadbent explains more about social distancing, why it is so important and how it should be applied on campus with the help of some of the Students’ Union Officers.

  VIDEO: Dr. Dan Corbett outlines why hand washing is one of the most important things we can do and how to do it right.

  VIDEO: Keith Halliday, Estates Manager summarises the cleaning protocols we have in place and with the help of the SU President, what we can all do to play our part.

  VIDEO: Dr Lindsay Broadbent summarises why face coverings are so important to reduce the spread and clarifies the University policy.

  VIDEO:  Prof. David Jones summarises how face to face teaching will be delivered in safe, socially distanced way and what everyone can do to ensure public health guidelines are adhered to.

  VIDEO: Prof. Stuart Elborn provides clear guidance for staff and students to explain what you should do if you develop symptoms, receive a positive test or are contact traced.

• Are the University’s campus and facilities still open?

  Are the University’s campus and facilities still open?

  On 14 October the NI Executive advised Northern Ireland Universities and further education institutions to deliver online learning as much as possible. In line with this announcement, we will now maximise digital delivery for the rest of the semester, with face to face learning only taking place where it is an essential and unavoidable element of the course.

  The University will, however,  continue to offer many services and the following facilities will remain open, with strict social distancing and safety measures being applied.

  • Queen’s Accommodation
  • Physical Education Centre for individual exercise
  • McClay Library
  • Graduate School
  • Student Guidance Centre
  • Students’ Union (inc. Advice SU, Student Representation, Clubs & Societies and other services)
  • The Welcome Centre

  The University will keep the availability of all of these services and facilities under constant review.  Other services and activities such as cafes and restaurants (other than for take-away) and team sports will not be possible for the next four weeks. All students living in University accommodation will continue to be fully supported and we would encourage students to remain in their accommodation if they wish to do so.

Working on campus

Many staff are now working on campus, carrying out essential services, whilst other staff who can fulfil their roles remotely are working from home. Any decisions regarding whether or not a member of staff should be working from home or on campus should be made with reference to the following guidance:

• Read more
  •  ‘Return To Campus: A Framework’
  • The Manager’s Guide, which provides more detailed information to support managers in how to apply this framework, make localised decisions and support their teams through the transition
  • Return to Campus Guidance produced by Safety Services
  • Public Health Agency guidance
  • The NI Executive’s ‘Pathway to Recovery’
  • Flexible Working and Work Allocation principles and further details on the progress of the Staff Survey Working Groups - available on the People and Culture website
  • The University's COVID-19 FAQs

  Further information is available on the People and Culture website.

Education delivery

On 14 October, the NI Executive  advised Northern Ireland Universities and further education institutions to deliver online learning as much as possible. In line with this announcement, the University will now maximise digital delivery for the rest of the first semester, with face to face learning only taking place where it is an essential and unavoidable element of the course.

The University remains committed to face to face teaching and believes that it can be delivered safely. We therefore intend to return to a connected learning model with a greater proportion of teaching delivered face to face in the second semester.

• What safety measures are being put in place in teaching spaces to protect staff and students during face-to-face teaching?

  The Safety Services Team have conducted a risk assessment of teaching spaces and the necessary safety measures have been/are being applied. These are detailed on the Safety Services website here.

  In summary:

  • Students are required to wear face coverings during teaching.
  • Students are expected to maintain a minimum of 1m physical distance between each other. Furniture has been reconfigured to support this.
  • Students are expected to maintain a minimum of 2m physical distance between themselves and the member of staff. Teaching rooms have been reconfigured to support this, including the use of floor markings.
  • Staff who wish to wear a face covering during teaching are advised to use a visor both for comfort and for accessibility reasons. This may be particularly necessary for students with impaired hearing.
  • Enhanced daily cleaning of teaching spaces.
  • Timetabling adjusted to allow for 20 min changeover time between classes to allow safe transition.
  • Provision of sanitising wipes to encourage wiping down of surfaces and frequent touch points.
  • Provision of hand sanitiser at points of entry/exit from teaching areas.

   

  VIDEO:  Prof. David Jones summarises how face to face teaching will be delivered in safe, socially distanced way and what everyone can do to ensure public health guidelines are adhered to.

• How do I get a visor for teaching?

  It is important to be mindful that face covers can pose a challenge to individuals with Hearing Impairment who rely on lip reading and facial expression to communicate. It is recommended that staff use visors that ensure accessibility and inclusion for individuals with hearing impairment.

  Further guidance on the wearing of face coverings with clear panels can be found on the Action On Hearing Loss website in the section “Clear Face Coverings for the General Public”.

  All Schools and Directorates are scoping and purchasing equipment needed to carry out core duties. Therefore you need to raise this with your line manager as part of any return to campus discussions.

• How do I deliver my lectures online?

  For guides and resources on ways to deliver your lectures online, including support available from the Queen’s Canvas team, please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/OnlineLearning

• Who can I speak to about my concerns about delivering my lectures online?

  Please contact your Director of Education to discuss.

Research

• What do current restrictions mean for researchers?

  We intend to continue with research on campus that cannot be done remotely. Other research that can be done from home should continue on that basis.

Test and Trace in Northern Ireland

• How does Test and Trace work in Northern Ireland?

  Public Health Agency contact tracing

  The PHA’s contact tracing service has been established to minimise community transmission of COVID-19. Close contacts will be contacted by the PHA’s contact tracing service team using the following phone number: (028) 9536 8888. Please save this number to your phone and be sure to answer any call from them, should they get in touch. 

  
  'StopCOVID NI' app

  A Northern Ireland-specific contact tracing app 'StopCOVID NI' has been developed by the Department of Health. To help protect yourself and all within the Queen's community and wider public, we are encouraging all our staff and students to download this free app, which will support contact tracing, support our health service, help prevent another lockdown and save lives. 

  The app works by telling you automatically if you've been near another app user who tests positive and can also let them know if you test positive, though the app never knows or shares your identity or location. 

  You can download from: 

  • Google Play Store 

  • Apple App Store 

   

  Text alert service

  The Public Health Agency has introduced a new text alert service for close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases, which means that they will be sent a message as soon as their details are added to the PHA system. If you receive a message from 'HSCtracing' you must self-isolate immediately.

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms

It is important that we all monitor our own health and watch out for any of the following symptoms:

• high temperature
• new, persistent cough
• loss or change in sense of smell or taste

• What should I do if I develop COVID-19 symptoms?

  If you feel unwell with any of these symptoms, you should follow these important steps: 

  • Self-isolate immediately. If you are on campus when symptoms begin to develop, please put on a face covering straight away and return to your home or accommodation, avoiding public transport if you can. Where required the university can assist you in booking a special COVID secure taxi to transport you home, please call extension 3550.

  • Arrange a test. You can do this online via this link or by calling 119. The advice from the Public Health Agency is that you should get tested in the first three days of coronavirus symptoms appearing. If you have no access to transport to access a drive through test, the University can help you arrange a special COVID secure taxi, please call 028 9097 3550 for further assistance. Please note that there is a cost for the taxi.

  • Notify. Please inform the University that you are self-isolating via this online portal: http://go.qub.ac.uk/covidupdate. This is essential to ensure that the University can maintain a record of the staff and students who develop symptoms and apply precautionary measures as quickly as possible. If you live in University Accommodation, other members of your apartment will be contacted and you will be provided with the necessary support. This link is also available on the University homepage and you may wish to bookmark the link so you can find it easily. If you do not live in University Accommodation, you should also inform other members of your household so they can follow the official public health agency advice to self-isolate. Members of staff should also inform their line manager or school manager separately.

  Your health and safety is the University’s first priority so please do not let any concerns about your work or study stop you from following any of these steps or public health advice.

   

  VIDEO: Prof. Stuart Elborn provides clear guidance for staff and students to explain what you should do if you develop symptoms, receive a positive test or are contact traced.

   
• What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

  If you receive a positive test, you will be given clear guidance from the health authorities to continue to self-isolate and you should update the StopCOVID NI app.

  Please also inform the University immediately through the online portal: http://go.qub.ac.uk/covidupdate. If you have already notified us that you are isolating, updating the portal to let us know that you now have received a positive test is really important.

  If you are not able to access the portal you can call the Covid Response Team on 028 9097 3550. 

  Letting us know is vital as it will enable us to assess the risk to others and take all the necessary precautionary steps. If you have previously used the portal to inform us that you are self-isolating, your records will be updated by the call handler accordingly. Please save this number to your phone so you can access it quickly. It is also available on the University homepage.

  For further information please contact the University Covid Response Team:

  Monday – Thursday: 10am – 6pm
  Friday – 10am – 5pm
  Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 2pm

  Email: covidresponseteam@qub.ac.uk 
  Tel: 028 9097 3550

  Your health and safety is the University’s first priority so please do not let any concerns about your work or study stop you from following any of these steps or public health advice.

• How long does a close contact have to isolate for?

  The PHA guidance states that close contacts have to isolate for 10 days from date of last exposure with contact. This is because of the length of the incubation period and the risk of transmission.

• If I isolate but then receive a positive test, how long do I have to isolate for?

  The PHA guidance is that those with a positive test have to isolate for 10 days and can complete their period of isolation after this time if they have been free of fever for 2 days. If they have not, they need to continue until it is 2 days since they experienced a fever.

• Do I have to isolate again if I become a close contact again?

  Yes – that is the current advice of the PHA.

• Do I have to continue to isolate if I test negative for Covid-19?

  PHA guidance states that if you have been identified as a close contact you must isolate for 10 days irrespective if, during this time, you take a test that is negative.

  If, however, you have symptoms and take a test that is negative, then the guidance states that you can return to normal activity if you test negative and have not had a fever for 48 hours. However, if there are members of your household who have had a positive Covid-19 test result, then you must continue to isolate even if you are negative. This is because of the risk of going on to test positive. For specific advice on how long you should isolate please contact the PHA or call 111.

• What should I do if I am notified that I am a contact of a confirmed case off-campus or am asked to self-isolate?

  If you are notified that you are a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community, you should follow all of the guidance you are given – including self-isolation if required. If you have been asked to self-isolate via the contact tracing system or by a medical professional, please inform the University via the dedicated portal. If another member of your household has been traced but they are not displaying symptoms, please check the latest advice here.

  Your health and safety is the University's first priority, so please do not let any concerns about your work or study stop you from following any of these steps or public health advice.

On-campus asymptomatic testing pilot programme

• I am a member of staff/line manager - where can I find information on the on-campus asymptomatic testing pilot programme?

  Queen's is working with the NHS to pilot a new, faster COVID-19 test for people with no symptoms. Find out more about the programme here.

  The pilot programme begins next week for students, taking place in the Whitla Hall. All students are being encouraged to participate, particularly those who have remained on campus throughout first semester and intend to return home for the first time for the Christmas break.

  Groups of staff working throughout the Christmas period in close proximity to those students who remain with us for the festive break will also be invited to participate in the pilot testing and they will be contacted at a local level.

  We plan to continue offering asymptomatic testing on campus during second semester with increased capacity and more details will be provided in due course.

Self-isolation

• I am a member of staff/line manager - where can I find guidance on self-isolation?

  If you are a student or member of staff and are either self-isolating or have developed symptoms or have received a positive test, please inform the university here.

  Guidance for staff and managers regarding self-isolation is available on the People and Culture website.

• Who is exempt from wearing a face covering?

  Some members of our community will not be able to wear a face covering due to a hidden disability, medical condition or other exemption as specified by the PHA. All staff and students are expected to be sensitive and respectful of this and if someone is not wearing a face covering in an area where it is mandatory, it should be assumed that there is a legitimate reason why they cannot.

• Who will/should enforce the wearing of face coverings in relevant areas?

  Some members of our community will not be able to wear a face covering due to a hidden disability, medical condition or other exemption as specified by the PHA. Therefore, it is not appropriate to challenge someone who is not wearing a face covering. It should be assumed that there is a legitimate reason why they cannot. All students and staff have been made aware of their personal responsibilities to protect themselves and others and we are confident that all members of our community will fulfil these obligations wherever possible without the need for enforcement.

• How will I know if there are hearing impaired students in my class?

  If a student with a hearing impairment is registered with disability services this will be on their Individual Student Support Agreement (ISSA). For all new students being assessed for the first time, Disability Services are putting a specific line in the ISSA to advise on the use of appropriate face coverings, where they are being used in a teaching setting. New ISSAs are completed throughout the first semester and the Disability Services team have been working since A Level results were confirmed to assess incoming students but the volumes of students means this takes time. They are working on it as fast as they can. For returning students who have hearing impairments but with older ISSAs they may take longer to update as we naturally need to focus on new students – but their ISSA will confirm to you that they have a hearing impairment and therefore you can assume the same adjustments are necessary.

Staff Wellbeing and Support

• I’m feeling anxious about the Covid-19 situation. Who can I talk to for support?

  We understand you might be worried about Covid-19 and that being asked to stay at home or socially distance from other people can be difficult or stressful. 

  If you are feeling overwhelmed, you can contact Inspire, the University’s confidential employee assistance programme, or talk to your line manager.

  There are also lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing. Examples include:

  • connecting with people digitally;
  • trying to keep active;
  • finding ways to relax and keep your mind challenged (which can be work or study related or otherwise).

  For more information about how you can take care of your mental health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic, please visit our Staff Wellbeing page.

   

• What support can I get from Inspire, the University’s confidential Employee Assistance Programme provider?

  Inspire can provide you with advice on a range of topics, and, if needed, will also provide counselling support.  This service is completely confidential, available 24/7 and is free of charge to all employees. 

  Staff can call the Freephone number 0800 389 5362 at any time of the day or night, seven days a week.

  Some of the areas Inspire can help with are listed below - but this list is not exhaustive so please call no matter what you need advice/support on:

  • addiction
  • anxiety or depression
  • bereavement
  • bullying and harassment
  • debt problems
  • employment concerns
  • experience of a traumatic event
  • family worries
  • personal relationship problems
  • stress

  They have also developed an online platform, which provides a wealth of online wellbeing resources for you to access and read at your own pace. Please click here for more information.

• Where can I find Staff Wellbeing information and events?

  For staff wellbeing information and events, please visit the People and Culture website.

• I have field trips planned – what should I do?

  Over the last few months some Field trips / Field work have recommenced in Northern Ireland, following appropriate Safety Services advice and risk assessments.

  For Fieldwork outside of Northern Ireland, the University will continue to follow FCDO guidance on advising against all but essential international travel except to the countries currently exempt. Any requests to recommence field work need to follow the Field work Approval Guideline and ensure that an appropriate risk assessment has been submitted to Safety Services by email to safety@qub.ac.uk taking into account the risks arising from Covid-19 and identifying the appropriate mitigation measures.

Further information

• Call centre

  We have established an email service for staff and students to try and answer and address any additional questions or concerns. Opening hours are Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm. Please refer to this FAQs page in the first instance before getting in contact.

  Please email your query to covid19callcentre@qub.ac.uk.

  If you need personal health advice specifically in relation to COVID-19 (coronavirus), you should call the NHS 111 service or your GP. Please do not attend your GP or emergency department without phoning in advance.

   

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Useful Contacts

  If the information you are looking for is not addressed in the University's Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs, there are a range of contact points for staff and students:

   

  WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?	CONTACT POINT	CONTACT DETAILS
  STUDENT CONTACTS
  If you are a student and you have questions or concerns relating to COVID-19 which are not addressed in the COVID-19 FAQs	Student COVID-19 Queries (Call Centre)	email: covid19callcentre@qub.ac.uk
  If you are a student and have any non-COVID general queries on student support services contact the Student Guidance Centre	Student Guidance Centre	email: sgc@qub.ac.uk
  If you are a student, you can access a wide range of support available to you from the Student Wellbeing Service website, or if you have any further queries	Student Wellbeing Service	Online Form: https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/wellbeing/raw/
  STAFF CONTACTS
  If you are a member of staff and you have questions or concerns relating to COVID-19 which cannot be addressed through the COVID-19 FAQs or through discussion with your line manager	Staff COVID-19 Queries	email: StaffCovidQueries@qub.ac.uk
  If you are a member of staff and have any non-COVID general queries on HR related topics, such as terms and conditions, pay, policies etc. your first port of call should be the HR Hub	HR Hub	email: hrhub@qub.ac.uk
  If you are a member of staff, you can access support and information on a wide range of issues on the Staff Wellbeing website, or if you have any further queries	Staff Wellbeing	email: wellbeing@qub.ac.uk
  STUDENT AND STAFF CONTACTS
  If you are a member of staff or student and have contracted coronavirus symptoms, received a positive test or been told to self-isolate by the contact tracing system or a medical professional, please self-report via this portal. This information will help the University to support you and put in place precautionary measures to protect others.	Self-Reporting Portal (COVID Notification)	Link: Self-Reporting Portal  If you are not able to access the portal you can call the COVID Response Team on 028 9097 3550.
  If you are a member of staff or student and have any queries relating to on Campus Close Contact Identification/Tracing	University COVID Response Team (UCRT)	email: covidresponseteam@qub.ac.uk
  If you are a member of staff or student requiring personal health advice specifically in relation to COVID-19	NHS 111 or your GP	Telephone: NHS 111 service or your own GP