Covid-19 guidance, tests, vaccinations, and self-isolation
Update – 17 March
We're in the process of updating this page in line with term 3 arrangements. In the meantime, please see the recent email update.
As always, your safety and wellbeing continue to be our utmost priority.
We're working closely with our community and local public health authorities on the best approach. Our standards will always meet or exceed the standard contained within government guidance. We'll continue to consider the Government’s evolving advice, and consult with campus trade unions.
You'll see guidance below about face coverings, testing, vaccinations and self-isolation on campus.
Search our guidance
You can search for individual words and phrases in all the answers. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please get in touch.
Campus guidelines
These guidelines were developed in accordance with government and sector-specific guidance. Wherever you are on campus, we recommend washing your hands and using hand sanitizer regularly, and being courteous to your fellow members of the community.
Term 2
At Warwick, face coverings are required in all teaching, learning, research and in-person exam scenarios and settings (unless you have a valid exemption). Face covering are to be worn in all study spaces, like the Library.
Location: Research, teaching study and in-person exam spaces
Should I wear a face covering?
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- Yes, face coverings are required when you're moving around and when you're sitting down.
Should I socially distance?
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From term 2, the 1.5m social distancing restriction will be removed in these spaces.
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Location: The Library
Should I wear a face covering?
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- Yes, face coverings will be required in Library when moving around and when seated, unless agreed otherwise with Library management for specific events and additional risk assessments are completed and approved accordingly.
Should I socially distance?
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- There will be no social distancing restrictions in the Library in term 2.
Location: Rootes Grocery store, Cafes, Conference venues, Sports and Wellbeing Hub, Warwick Arts Centre
Should I wear a face covering?
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- From 26 January, in line with government guidance, face coverings are no longer legally required in shops and the Warwick Arts Centre or in cafes, restaurants or the Sports and Wellness Hub. You’re still advised to wear a face covering in crowded or enclosed spaces to minimise the risk of transmission and keep our community safe.
Should I socially distance?
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- No, but you can socially distance from others if you prefer.
Location: Offices, dwell spaces, circulation spaces
Should I wear a face covering?
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- Yes, face coverings are required when you're moving around multiple-occupancy offices, but can be removed when you're seated where desks allow for 1.5m social distancing. Face coverings do not need to be worn when you're alone in a single-occupancy office.
Should I socially distance?
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- There will be no social distancing restrictions in offices, circulation spaces and dwell spaces in term 2, although office space typically allows for social distancing when seated at office desks.
Optional/social activity
If you’re using a University space e.g. a teaching room for optional/social activity (i.e. not your timetabled teaching and learning sessions) there are no additional Covid-19 safety requirements but we expect everyone to observe our community responsibilities to look after themselves and others.
Exemptions
As a University, we recognise our obligations to be proactive to anticipate the needs of disabled people under the Equality Act 2010. It is also important to note that not all disabilities are visible, and some people may be exempt from wearing a face covering either due to their disability or to aid communication with a disabled person.
A transparent face covering, or a transparent visor, may need to be worn by those involved in communication through lip-reading or dependant on facial expressions. Transparent face coverings can sometimes be problematic, insofar as they can steam up when being worn, so transparent visors may be required as an alternative.
Where it is identified that specific measures are required to facilitate communication through lip reading or facial expressions, a specific risk assessment will need to be carried out by the relevant department. Where such a risk assessment is necessary the department in question should contact the Health and Safety Services team for support and specific advice.
In line with Department for Education guidance, staff members are not ordinarily expected to wear a face covering while teaching, to support education delivery. Such staff members can still choose to wear a face covering or a visor.
Learn about face coverings, face masks, face visors, face shields and more in the Gov.uk guidance: 'When to wear a face covering and how to make your own'.
Students and staff can get Covid-19 vaccinations on campus at the Health Centre.
On-campus
Vaccinations are available at the University Health Centre on Thursday 14 April at 9.30 - 12.00. Call 024 7526 3418 to book an appointment.
You can also access the Covid-19 vaccination programme through the National Booking Service.
Off-campus vaccination drop-in clinics
See the dates and times of drop-in vaccination clinics in Coventry and Warwickshire.
What do I need to bring with me for my appointment?
Please wear a face covering for your appointment.
If it’s your second vaccine, you'll need to bring the card with your first vaccination details. If you have had a vaccination abroad, you'll need to provide official documents with the date and name of vaccine.
If you're walking in for an appointment on the day, you'll need your NHS/IHS number, date of birth, and home postcode that your current GP has on their system.
How do I book my second vaccination appointment?
If you have your first vaccination appointment at the University Health Centre, you'll be invited by text message (or by email if you have an international phone number) after 8 weeks to book your second appointment.
How do I register with the University Health Centre?
Find out more on how to register with the University Health Centre. If you’re joining us for the first time you’ll be asked to register as part of enrolment.
We strongly recommend that you stay at home if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or any other infectious disease, or if you test positive for Covid-19.
Students
You should let your Personal Tutor know, or contact your department Senior TutorLink opens in a new window if you’re unable to reach your Personal Tutor.
Staff
You should let your manager know and report on SuccessFactors as appropriate, even if you are well enough and able to work remotely (this would not be recorded as sickness absence).
If you feel unwell and are unable to work - whether or not your symptoms are related to Covid-19 - please continue to let your manager know and follow normal sickness absence reporting procedure.
International students and vaccine recognition
View FAQs to see information about top-up vaccinations, vaccine certification and self-isolation requirements if you're a close contact of someone who has tested positive with Covid-19.
The below guidance was provided by the NHS on 18th June 2021
- Do I need to be vaccinated before travelling to England?
- Are international students eligible for the vaccination?
- How does an international student get the vaccination?
- Do international students need to pay for the vaccine?
- Do international students need to be registered with a GP to get a vaccination?
- How does an international student get an NHS number?
- What should an international student do if they've received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination abroad, and it is not a vaccine that is being offered in England?
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Are any dependents of international students also eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination?
Do I need to be vaccinated before coming to England?
Vaccination is not currently a requirement for entry into the UK.
However, we encourage all international students to receive a vaccine, either in a different country before arriving for term, or in the UK once they arrive.
Whether you have been vaccinated or not, it is vital that you look at the relevant travel advice to avoid any problems at the border.
Are international students eligible for the vaccination?
Anybody aged 12 or over in the UK is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
How does an international student get the vaccination?
International students should ideally register with a GP if they haven’t already and get an NHS number. An NHS number can be found on any letter the NHS has sent you, on a prescription, or by logging in to a GP practice online service. You can also find an NHS number using this tool. Students registered with a GP can book their appointment at a larger vaccination centre, a community pharmacy run site or at some GP run sites through the National Booking Service website or by phoning 119.
It is possible to request to book Covid-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient by approaching a local GP practice. Find out more about GP registration.
Do international students need to pay for the vaccine?
Nobody in England has to pay for the Covid-19 vaccination. The Covid-19 vaccination is free of charge and does not count as the kind of care that requires payment. International students or anyone seeing requests for payment should report this activity to their university institution and to Action Fraud.
Do international students need to be registered with a GP to get a vaccination?
While registration with a GP is encouraged to access the vaccine, individuals can request to book Covid-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient through a local GP practice.
Students who are not registered with a GP will not be proactively contacted by a local NHS service. We encourage all students to register with a GP.
How does an international student get an NHS number?
International students can approach their local GP practice, saying they would like to register for the purposes of receiving the vaccine.
What should an international student do if they’ve received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination abroad, and it is not a vaccine that is being offered in England?
If a person has received a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine overseas that is also available in the UK, they should receive the same vaccine for their second dose. If the vaccine they received for their first dose is not available in the UK, the most similar alternative should be offered as per this advice (see sections on vaccine interchangeability guidance).
The student should contact a GP to ensure they receive an appropriate vaccine for their second dose.
Higher Education institutions are no longer able to distribute lateral flow tests.
To find out more about testing, see the NHS information on testing for coronavirus.
Self-isolation
The government has announced it will be removing the legal requirement to isolate from Thursday 24 February. At Warwick, we will continue to strongly recommend that you self-isolate if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or test positive. This will be in place until the end of term 2. Read the guidance.
About this guidance
This guidance was provided by the NHS on 18th June 2021. Vaccinations are also known as jabs, doses, boosters, inoculations, but we will usually refer to them as vaccinations in our webpages.
- How will students be invited for the Covid-19 vaccination?
- What do students do if they are registered with a GP in their hometown, but not where they study, or vice versa?
- How can students access their second dose if they are in a different location to where they had their first dose?
- What if a student is eligible for their first dose in England, but will be abroad for their second dose (e.g overseas placement)?
- How can students obtain a Covid vaccine certificate?
- Where can students find more information?
How will students be invited for the Covid-19 vaccination?
The Covid-19 vaccination is being offered to everyone aged 12 or over at local sites run by GPs or community pharmacies, at larger vaccination centres and in some hospitals. Boosters are now being offered to people aged 18 and over.
Students registered with a GP can book their appointment at a larger vaccination centre, a community pharmacy run site or at some GP run sites through the National Booking Service website or by phoning 119.
Those who are registered with a GP will also receive an invitation to be vaccinated from their GP practice. While registration with a GP is encouraged to access the vaccine, individuals can request to book Covid-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient through a local GP practice.
What do students do if they are registered with a GP in their hometown, but not where they study, or vice versa?
If a student aged 18 or over is registered with a GP practice, they can book both appointments online through the National Booking Service at a location that is convenient to them, or book a first dose through their GP and a second dose in a different location through the National Booking Service.
How can students access their second dose if they are in a different location to where they had their first dose?
In general, patients should return to the place they had their first dose to have their second dose. However, it is appropriate for students to receive their second dose in a different location to their first dose due to their circumstances. The National Booking Service has an option to book or re-arrange the second vaccination appointment at a different location to the first appointment.
The NHS has published FAQs on Second Doses.
What if a student is eligible for their first dose in England, but will be abroad for their second dose (e.g overseas placement)?
The student should contact the health service in the country where they are resident at the time the second dose is due.
How can students obtain a Covid vaccine certificate?
View the GOV.uk information about Covid vaccine certification.
We are working really hard to make sure you feel safe and reassured whenever you’re on campus. Last year, we responded to the pandemic by changing our campus cleaning processes - for example, we increased our touchpoint cleaning, especially in busy parts of campus. This year, we will continue to ensure a high standard of cleaning and maintenance in campus facilities.
There are times we might need to change our approach. For example, over the summer, while occupancy rates on campus are lower, some of our cleaners are assigned to other duties to help maintain our buildings, helping us to prioritise your safety at all times.
We will also help you to take personal responsibility for cleaning your workspaces as part of your daily routine. We will make sure that you have access to cleaning materials and hand sanitiser in buildings.
Travelling to and around campus
See guidance below about travelling to and around campus.
Biking
If you're using a bike, you can use our bike stations on campus to lock your bike.
Buses
Face coverings must be worn on public transport. This is a legal requirement. There are different bus routes into campus depending on where you are coming from. We encourage you to explore the advice from their own websites and get in touch with them if you have any questions:
- Staying safe on Stagecoach buses
- Staying safe on National Express buses
- Staying safe on West Midlands Network buses
Cars and parking
Parking charges resumed on 1 October. Find out where you can park, what's changed and how much parking will be available.
Car sharing
See UK government guidance on car sharing.
Liftshare
See Covid-19 guidance for the liftshare scheme
Bus on Demand
Our normal University Shuttlebus services are currently suspended due to Covid-19. Learn more about travelling between Wellesbourne and Main campus, and an alternative to the shuttlebus, DRT.
You should follow guidelines as recommended by Gov.uk: see Gov.uk's current guidelines for Coronavirus.
Please be considerate
Please bear in mind that some of your neighbours, local residents and friends may be clinically vulnerable - or just anxious about the pandemic.
It's really important to be kind to people around you, especially during these challenging times. Be considerate of others in your neighbourhood, on public transport, and in shops. If you have any worries or concerns yourself, you can talk to our Wellbeing team.
Meanwhile, the mental health charity, Mind, has listed some other ways to be kind during the Coronavirus outbreak
- 14 December 2021 - From Tuesday 14 December 2021, self-isolation for contacts of Covid cases applies for 10 days to those who are unvaccinated, test positive or develop symptoms.Daily lateral flow testing will replace self-isolation for double vaccinated contacts.Self-isolation will only apply if a test is positive.Find out more.
- 20 September 2021: You no longer need to book to collect a home lateral flow testing kit, you can now just visit one of the sites to pick a kit up when you need one.
- 9 September 2021: We have added details about the on-campus vaccination clinics and how to book.
- August 2021: We have updated our Coronavirus website. We reduced the number of pages across the site, and we merged a number of pages into one. This page now includes information for Safety on Campus, Test and Trace, Self-Isolation, and Vaccinations.
- 18 July 2021: We updated the current number of active cases on campus
Active cases on campus and off-campus
The following number of people are considered as active cases, where an individual has tested positive for Covid-19 and is in the 10-day isolation period. For context, we have almost 27,000 students and 7,000 staff members at the University of Warwick. We will continue reporting on these numbers until the end of term.
|
On campus |
Off-campus |
Total |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Students |
26 |
31 |
57 |
|
Staff |
0 |
25 |
25 |
|
TOTAL |
26 |
56 |
82 |
About our updates
These figures for current active cases were correct as of 13 March 2022. They include both staff and students tested at the University’s Test and Trace service on campus. They also include positive tests reported to the University by staff or students who have been tested elsewhere.
All of our data is shared with Public Heath England.
Asymptomatic test results
Please note, we will be unable to report on asymptomatic test results because we will not receive any individual results. If someone tests positive on an LFT test, then gets a confirmatory PCR test on campus, this second test result will count amongst our number of active Covid-19 cases in our community.