Lincoln Universities Prepared For Return of Students

The University of Lincoln and Bishop Grosseteste University are a key part of the Lincoln economy. Over the next few days, the city will be boosted by the return of around 20,000 students who will be either starting or resuming their studies, as well as playing a part in Lincoln’s workforce.

With COVID-19 in mind, the Universities have been working over the summer with the Director of Public Health, the City of Lincoln Council, and the wider Local Authority & Public Sector. A detailed plan is in place, with actions already taken to address two key COVID-19 priorities.

Key Priorities

• To reduce transmission within the student population and prevent subsequent spread into the wider community who may be more vulnerable
• To prevent the need for large-scale ‘lockdowns’ of students and thereby mitigate the risk to wellbeing & mental health, as well as educational outcomes, that this would represent.

Some of the Key Actions

To achieve this, a number of steps have been taken to prevent outbreaks.

• COVID-secure guidance has been issued to students, with face coverings required indoors, one-way systems and additional handwashing facilities in place.
• A Local Testing Site has been built on the University of Lincoln campus at the Joseph Banks laboratory. This will provide capacity for over 700 tests a day. This is in addition to the testing centre at the Lincolnshire Showground.
• Mitigating the risk of students socialising in Lincoln and transmitting COVID-19 in night-time economy venues by installing two temporary TeePee tents to act as additional, campus-based venues and encourage students who are not isolating to remain on campus when socialising.
• A mix of blended learning will be used, combining face-to-face learning alongside digital learning.

These are just some of the specific additional measures in the overall plan, to keep everyone safe whilst students are studying for their degrees. In addition, authorities are geared up to make adjustments, where needed, to what will inevitably be a continuously changing picture, both locally and nationally.

Let’s All Take Action to Stay Safe

COVID-19 continues to create big challenges across the country as it effects every aspect of everyday life. Students will be encouraged to get the most out of their university experience this year by following guidance and staying free of COVID-19. Likewise, all of us need to take simple actions to keep on protecting each other:

• Wash hands – keep washing your hands regularly
• Cover face – wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
• Make space – stay at least 2 metres apart – or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions

And Remember…

If you have coronavirus symptoms:

• A high temperature
• A new, continuous cough
• A loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

Get a test and stay at home