These relaxations align with our plans for 2021-22 which are set out in our Campus Intentions, communicated to you in June 2021. Our intention continues to be to deliver teaching face to face from September 2021 – complemented by flexible digital solutions which enhance student learning opportunities.

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our first priority and all the necessary measures are in place on campus. The University continues to encourage a range of mitigations as set out below. 

Visit the My Queen’s website and the Students’ Union website for information on getting ready for next year.

Information on teaching, learning, assessment and your student experience is available on the MyQueen's website.

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our first priority and all the necessary measures are in place on campus. Students and staff must also adhere to University and public health guidance regarding Covid-19, taking personal responsibility to ensure that transmission is minimised.

A range of mitigation measures and precautions are in place on campus:

• On-campus vaccinations: Vaccination offers the most effective way to protect against serious illness from Covid-19 and we are encouraging all staff and students, who have not already done so, to register for vaccination as soon as possible. Queen's is working with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency to support and encourage students to get vaccinated against COVID-19. To make this as easy as possible, we have arranged on-campus walk-in vaccination centres for any students who have not yet received their first jab.
• On-campus asymptomatic testing: We are providing free, on-campus asymptomatic testing facilities and at-home test kits. All students and staff should get tested before coming on to campus for any reason and then arrange regular testing twice a week or as often as possible for as long as you are on campus. In the first instance, you should arrange two tests no less than three days and no more than seven days apart.
• Ventilation: We have a range of ventilation protocols in place on campus for 2021-22.
• Social distancing:
  • Students are not required to socially distance from one another in any of the University areas they normally require access to, including library space, social and study spaces. However, NI Executive regulations also require that social distancing is followed in the workplace. We therefore ask all students to respect that this is a workplace for all staff who are providing their on-campus experience and to keep their distance from staff at all times - in both teaching and non-teaching settings.
  • In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency asks universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.
  • If you are a PhD student using work and laboratory space on campus, your School will advise you on the social distancing requirements in your work space.
• Face-coverings: Students must wear face coverings as follows:
  • NI Executive guidance requires students to wear face coverings in teaching, learning and study spaces, including the library. Students are also required to wear a face covering at all times when circulating around campus buildings, including corridors and communal spaces. Find out more about face coverings on campus here.
  • Staff and students who are exempt from wearing a face covering must carry a University exemption card. 
  • For staff face covering requirements, please see the social distancing section below.

• Hygiene: Hand sanitiser and sanitising wipes are available across the campus. A number of external hand-washing stations are also available. Staff and students are encouraged to make use of these before entry to the building. 
• Download the StopCovidNI app.
• Signage and one-way systems: Follow any on-campus signage providing information on Covid-19, including following one-way systems where these are in place. However, in some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency ask universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice. For now, students are free to sit on any seatin teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.

In line with current NI Executive guidance, face-to-face teaching will resume with no social distancing requirements in place for teaching spaces. 

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our first priority and all the necessary mitigation measures are in place on campus.

• Vaccination offers the most effective way to protect against serious illness from Covid-19 and we are encouraging all staff and students, who have not already done so, to register for vaccination as soon as possible.
• Face coverings: 
  • NI Executive guidance requires students to wear face coverings in teaching, learning and study spaces, including the library. Students are also required to wear a face covering at all times when circulating around campus buildings, including corridors and communal spaces. Find out more about face coverings on campus here.
  • Staff and students who are exempt from wearing a face covering must carry a University exemption card. 
  • For staff face covering requirements, please see the social distancing section below.
• Cleaning: An enhanced cleaning regime is in place for teaching spaces.
• Hygiene supplies: Hand sanitiser and wipes are provided in teaching spaces.
• Download the StopCovidNI app.
• Scheduling: For larger teaching sessions, your lecturer or tutor may schedule the beginning and the end of the session to allow time for you to enter and exit in an orderly manner.
• Social distancing:
  • Students are not required to socially distance from one another in any of the University areas they normally require access to, including library space, social and study spaces. However, NI Executive regulations also require that social distancing is followed in the workplace. We therefore ask all students to respect that this is a workplace for all staff who are providing their on-campus experience and to keep their distance from staff at all times - in both teaching and non-teaching settings.
  • In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency asks universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.
  • If you are a PhD student using work and laboratory space on campus, your School will advise you on the social distancing requirements in your work space.
• Ventilation: All lecture theatres, teaching spaces and laboratories on the campus are able to be ventilated using: 
• • Mechanical ventilation;
  • Natural ventilation;
  • Or a combination of mechanical and natural ventilation

To support the above, University heating systems will be carefully monitored and configured to help keep ambient temperatures comfortable for students and staff in naturally ventilated spaces during the winter months. When deciding what to wear on campus, we encourage you to consider that spaces will be ventilated.

No. Do not attend face-to-face teaching if you:

• have symptoms and are waiting for a test result
• have tested positive
• are required to self-isolate

 Students or staff experiencing symptoms should isolate and get tested.

• Vaccination offers the most effective way to protect against serious illness from COVID-19 and we are encouraging all staff and students, who have not already done so, to register for vaccination as soon as possible.

• We are providing free, on-campus asymptomatic testing facilities and at-home test kits. All students and staff should get tested before coming on to campus for any reason and then arrange regular testing twice a week or as often as possible for as long as you are on campus. In the first instance, you should arrange two tests no less than three days and no more than seven days apart. 

• Download the StopCovidNI app.

• All students and staff should continue to follow the latest public health and University guidance and continue to adhere to protective measures and sensible precautions to suppress coronavirus (COVID-19). 

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

• Immediately self-isolate if you develop symptoms / test positive

• 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 face coverings
• 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.

No. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.

In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency ask universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice.

In line with current NI Executive guidance, face-to-face teaching can now resume with no social distancing requirements in place for teaching spaces. Students are not required to socially distance from one another in any of the areas they normally access, including the library, social and study spaces.

However, NI Executive regulations also require that social distancing is followed in the workplace. We therefore ask all students to respect that this is a workplace for all staff who are providing their on-campus experience and to keep their distance from staff at all times - in both teaching and non-teaching settings.

If you are a PhD student using work and laboratory space on campus, your School will advise you on the social distancing requirements in your work space.

Everyone should continue to keep their distance at all times and when moving around campus. 

No. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.

In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Authority ask universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice.

PhD students using work and laboratory space on campus will be advised by their School on the social distancing requirements in their work space.

During teaching sessions

NI Executive guidance requires students to wear face coverings in teaching spaces.

Moving through the campus and University buildings, including library and study spaces

NI Executive guidance requires students to wear face coverings in teaching, learning and study spaces, including the library. Students are also required to wear a face covering at all times when circulating around campus buildings including corridors and communal spaces.  

Exemption cards

Staff and students who are exempt from wearing a face covering must carry a University exemption card.

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

View official guidance on exemptions from wearing a face covering. 

Staff and students who are exempt from wearing a face covering must carry a University exemption card.

Exemption cards can be picked up from the Information Desk in the Student Guidance Centre.

For any further queries, contact Disability and Wellbeing Drop which runs 11.00am – 3.00pm, Monday – Friday on Level 1 of Student Guidance Centre or Tel: 0738 754 6123.

The NI Executive have provided guidance regarding the maintenance and disposal of face coverings here and you are asked to familiarise yourself with this guidance.

All students and staff 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.

Asymptomatic testing is suitable only for those who are not displaying symptoms. If you develop symptoms at any time, it is essential that you self-isolate immediately and book a test here.

It is essential that we all continue to follow the public health guidelines regardless of whether or not we have received a negative asymptomatic test. All members of the Queen’s community are expected to maintain social distancing where possible and, if not, wear a face covering and regularly wash or sanitise their hands.

The testing is not mandatory; however, we are encouraging as many people as possible to get tested as an additional mitigation measure to help reduce transmission.

While we are encouraging everyone to participate in this testing initiative, we recognise there are many reasons staff and students may not be able to take a test. Staff or students cannot be made to take a test if they choose not to and should not be asked if they have taken the test or not.

This is an additional intervention to those already in place, such as the use of face coverings, social distancing, ventilation and good hand hygiene.

There are 2 main types of test to check if you have coronavirus now:

You should now follow the normal procedure for reporting sickness absences from study due to COVID-19. Regulations for Students 5.11 states that students must inform the relevant School Office of absence due to illness within three working days of returning to studies. Medical evidence will be required for absence longer than five working days. You can find information on getting an isolation note on the NHS website.

If you are absent from campus due to isolation but well enough to continue with your studies, you do not need to report sickness absence. However, you can get an isolation note using the link above and you should advise your School that you are not able to attend in person. Your School will do what they can to support you with your studies during any period of self-isolation.

As the PHA will carry out identification of close contacts, the University’s on-campus contact tracing team will be stood down and our self-reporting portal will no longer operate – except for students living in Queen’s Accommodation, who will still be required to use the portal to report if they are self-isolating due to symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19.

If you are aware and/or are notified that you are a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should follow the appropriate guidance. This includes guidance found at NI Direct and any self-isolation advice you are given by the PHA, if required. 

You can find out more about contact tracing on the NI Direct website.

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.

During a period of self-isolation, you cannot come on to any part of campus.

Reporting absences from study

You should now follow the normal procedure for reporting sickness absences from study due to COVID-19. Regulations for Students 5.11 states that students must inform the relevant School Office of absence due to illness within three working days of returning to studies. Medical evidence will be required for absence longer than five working days. You can find information on getting an isolation note on the NHS website.

If you are absent from campus due to isolation but well enough to continue with your studies, you do not need to report sickness absence. However, you can get an isolation note using the link above and you should advise your School that you are not able to attend in person. Your School will do what they can to support you with your studies during any period of self-isolation.

As the PHA will carry out identification of close contacts, the University's on-campus contact tracing team will be stood down and our self-reporting portal will no longer operate – except for students living in Queen's Accommodation, who will still be required to use the portal to report if they are self-isolating due to symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19.

You can find out more about contact tracing on the NI Direct website.

Public Health Agency contact tracing

The PHA’s contact tracing service works 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

View the schedule for on-campus walk-in vaccination clinics at Queen's.

For those unable to attend our on-campus vaccination clinics, you can book your vaccination at: Get Vaccinated | COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Northern Ireland.

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

• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature); OR
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual); OR
• a loss of or change in sense of smell or taste.

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. 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 5099 for further assistance. Please note that there is a cost for the taxi.

• Students in Queen's Accommodation: Students living in Queen's Accomodation only should inform the University that they are self-isolating via this online portal: http://go.qub.ac.uk/covidupdate. Other members of your apartment will be contacted and you will be provided with the necessary support.  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. 

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.

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.

• Students in Queen's Accommodation: Students living in Queen's Accomodation only should inform the University that they are self-isolating via this online portal: http://go.qub.ac.uk/covidupdate. Other members of your apartment will be contacted and you will be provided with the necessary support. 

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.

If you are arriving directly into England, regardless of your final destination within the UK, and have visited or passed through a country on the 'red list' in the 10 days prior to your arrival then you are required by law to book a 10 day (11 night) managed quarantine package at your point of arrival.  

No. These testing carried out on campus uses LFD tests and these are unsuitable for post-arrival testing.

Students must box and pay for PCR tests - you will find information on how to do this on the official travel guidance for travelling from an amber country.

For those full-time Queen’s students (excludes Erasmus / study abroad and other programmes) who are completing their academic studies / programmes between now and the end of January 2022, the University will provide students with access to a free PCR or LFD test for the purposes of travelling home if required.

You must email r.wallace@qub.ac.uk before you book your test with Kingsbridge, providing your student number.

Free tests will not be provided to students who choose to travel home for the Christmas break or any other travel for the remainder of the current academic year.

Students paying for their own PCR tests can avail of a student discount rate at Kingsbridge. The cost is £79 for a PCR Test and £94 for PCR + Lateral Flow Test. To book your appointment, email Kingsbridge at: appointment@kingsbridgehealthcaregroup.com, and quote “SelfPay - Queen's Student discount” on the email subject line. The Kingsbridge Booking Team will call back to confirm the booking.

The University will provide ten days’ free accommodation and free meals for those students arriving for the first time to Queen’s, who are required to quarantine on arrival. This provision does not extend to any student who travels home subsequently for holiday or other reasons and is required to quarantine on their return – they must make their own provisions.

This is a challenging and anxious time for students and in some cases, this may be exacerbated further by financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. 

International students who find themselves facing significant financial hardship during their studies, due to exceptional or unplanned circumstances can access the University’s own Hardship Fund.  The same application and assessment process as the Student Support Fund applies and includes providing copies of 3 months bank statement and evidence of accommodation cost, to demonstrate the financial hardship.  If a student meets the criteria, and demonstrates evidence of significant financial hardship, a one off payment will be made. 

You can apply to the University Hardship Fund online by logging into your Qsis Student Account at https://qsis.qub.ac.uk/      

To help keep you up-to-date with the latest support, information and updates, we continue to regularly update the information and support information provided on our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs website and MyQueen's website so please review these pages regularly.

Please follow public health advice published on the PHA website.

 If you are a student who is concerned as a result of COVID-19, the University’s Student Wellbeing Service can offer support and guidance. Please contact the Student Wellbeing Service by emailing studentwellbeing@qub.ac.uk. A member of staff will get in touch with you directly.

Find information about current restrictions and what they mean for you on the NI Direct website.