Covid Update

Updated:  24 February 2022

The operating guidance for further education providers has been updated in relation to the country now living with COVID. Taking this on board, please note the College’s response:

·        Staff, students and apprentices attending College are not expected to take part in regular asymptomatic testing. In the event of an outbreak, the College may also be advised by our local Public Health Team to undertake testing for a period of time. Staff and students within our Futures Department (our main SEND setting within College) are currently advised to continue twice weekly testing. Test kits continue to be available from Student Hubs.

·        Face coverings are no longer advised for students, apprentices, staff or visitors in classrooms, other teaching environments or communal areas. However, the College is still supportive of individuals who choose to continue to wear a face covering whilst on any College site.

·        Temperature checking on arrival remains optional.

·        Sanitiser stations will remain in place for optional use.

·        Appropriate cleaning schedules will remain in place.

·        Spaces should continue to be well ventilated, whilst maintaining a comfortable environment, including in classrooms.

·        There is no longer a legal requirement for people with COVID to self-isolate, however if you have any of the main symptoms* or a positive test result (either a PCR or LFT), Public Health advice is to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least 5 full days, and then continue to follow guidance until you have received 2 negative test results on consecutive days. Contacts of positive cases are no longer required to self-isolate or advised to take daily tests, and contact tracing has ended.

 

FAQ

  • Self-isolate straight away
  • Take a PCR test. Follow guidance upon the result
  • Follow the College reporting steps

  • Self-isolate straight away. Follow guidance upon the result
  • Follow the College reporting steps

  • Self-isolate straight away
  • If you have taken a LFT as you are displaying one of the 3 main symptoms, take a PCR test. Follow guidance upon the result
  • If you have taken a LFT as you are asymptomatic, you will have to take additional LFTs on day five and day six  – 24 hours apart – and to have had negative results from both tests in order to be released from isolation early. If you still test positive on day five and day six you must wait until you receive negative LFT results on two consecutive days until the end of the 10-day isolation period
  • Follow the College reporting steps

  • Please immediately talk to your tutor

  • If you are ill and unable to attend College you should report your sickness to the CALMS team on 01902 821167