As you will be aware, the UK government announced on 14 June that the further easing of restrictions will take place on Monday 19 July.

Covid tests

You should take two tests twice a week, using home test kits that are available from campus or at the B&NES test facility in the city centre.

Vaccinations

In England, if you are aged 18 years or over you are eligible for the vaccination. You can either book an appointment or attend a walk-in clinic.

International travel and quarantine

Travel to another country from the UK

If you travel abroad, then you must follow the Government’s guidance for travelling abroad during the coronavirus pandemic.

The UK Government has rated countries as red, amber or green for COVID-19. These are subject to change so please sign up for travel advice email alerts for your destination. Each rating has different requirements that you must observe.

Travel to Bath from another country

If your permanent home residence is overseas, the University will help cover the quarantine-related costs if you are returning to Bath for another year of undergraduate or taught postgraduate studies for the start of the 2021-22 academic year. From Saturday 28 August, if you are returning from red, amber and green list countries where quarantining and testing is required, read full details of our quarantine arrangements and the booking process.

We are unable to cover the cost for any quarantine and test package costs for your partner or family, who may be travelling with you.

If you leave the UK during the 2021-22 academic year, you may have to quarantine or take tests again when you return. The University will not be able to support you for any additional periods of quarantine. If you are currently living in the UK you are encouraged to use the summer accommodation on campus, rather than returning to a country that may mean you need to quarantine on your return.

This support is in line with current UK quarantine guidance, which could change. Please check the current travel guidelines and status of your country before you travel.   As with all impacts from the pandemic, if this means you will suffer financially you can apply to the Hardship Fund for support.

Covid-secure campus

Read our guide to Be safe on campus.

Our libraries and study spaces remain open. Students can book a study space through our online booking system.

We have Covid-secure measures in place, and risk assessments in these spaces to ensure they are in line with current guidelines. We have retained social distancing as well as requiring face coverings and ensuring we have ventilation measures in place.

In line with Government guidance, we are offering outdoor food and drinks with table service at the covered area outside lime tree and in the lime tree garden, with extended opening times. Our takeaway and click-and-collect services from the lime tree, Sports Café and 4 West café also continue, and the ‘Hut by the lake‘ is open for takeaway food and drink.

The Claverton Rooms is also open for staff only, in groups of up to six, to order hot drinks and cakes for table service.

The Fresh shop on campus remains open and we will continue to update our webpages on the latest facilities available.

Indoor sports and indoor fitness classes have reopened for individual or household use at our Sports Training Village. This includes the gym and fitness centre, indoor courts for tennis, badminton, squash, basketball, netball and volleyball. You can now book online.

Working arrangements for staff

We continue to aim to support all colleagues in as supportive a manner as possible during this transitionary period.

Where colleagues are not required on campus to undertake their work, staff should continue to work from home where they can. If colleagues wish to return to work, we will do everything possible to accommodate them, with their line manager or Head of Department ensuring relevant risk assessments are up to date. We will still be closely following the Covid measures we have in place, including room capacity limits and social distancing.

The advice on shielding for clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) staff has ended.

The Government has published Covid guidance for pregnant employees, which we encourage relevant colleagues and line managers to carefully read. If clinically exceptionally vulnerable colleagues who are pregnant, or who are 28 weeks or further through gestation, are unable to work from home then please contact your HR Advisor to discuss.

Research staff and students should continue to have access to laboratories, space and equipment they need. Operational and technical staff will continue to be needed on campus to fulfil their vital roles.

For professional services colleagues who do not need to provide in-person support or services to students or staff, we expect home working to continue until at least the end of July 2021. However, if individuals need to come on to campus, including for wellbeing reasons, they are able to do so.

Between now and then, we will be working with Heads of Departments to determine the best longer term, sustainable working models for each department.

Professional Services staff can read the guide to Future ways of working