Kelly Coate

Today, Kelly Coate wrote to all students to give them updates on the easing of Covid restrictions in England, Covid 19 vaccinations and quarantining after arriving from abroad. You can read the email in full below: 

Dear student,

In my latest update you can find out about:

• Easing of Covid restrictions in England
• Getting your Covid-19 vaccination
• Support for all students who need to quarantine from abroad
• Welcoming you in September

Easing of Covid restrictions in England
This week, the UK Government lifted most of the legal Covid 19 restrictions in the UK.  This is an important step for those living in the UK and all of our students studying at Sussex next academic year. 
 
Most students arriving from overseas will still need to quarantine, and you can read more about how we will support you during this time, below.
 
The University is busy preparing the campus and all our services for when students return in September and we will be in touch regularly to let you know how we continue to respond, as the health and safety of our students and staff continues to be our top priority.
 
Whilst most restrictions are lifted, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over.  The Government have provided clear information on what will still be in place and what is expected of everyone at this time.  Please do read this guidance. 

Currently, what this means for you as a student when you return to Sussex in September is:

• We are still expecting a return to in-person teaching in line with the Government guidance.  You can read more about our teaching plans on the Student Hub.
• Before the beginning of the Autumn term, we’ll be in touch to make sure you know about all our Covid related guidance on what to do on campus.
• By law, face coverings are no longer mandatory. However, they are still expected and recommended to be worn in crowed spaces, such as on public transport.  We will make sure you have all the information you need on this before the start of term.
• The Library is open for all students to use over the summer and we hope you continue to use the space whenever you wish to - please note that we do expect that face coverings are worn inside the building when moving around, unless you are exempt.

Covid 19 vaccinations
The University strongly encourages you to get your Covid-19 vaccinations as soon as you can. It will help to protect you, your family and those you care for, as well as others in the Sussex community.

The Covid-19 vaccination should help reduce the rates of serious illness and save lives, and will therefore reduce pressure on the NHS and social care services. It will also help us all avoid further lockdowns.

We strongly encourage all students to take part in the vaccination programme against Covid-19, in line with government guidance.

You can find information about Covid vaccinations on the Student Hub along with links for further advice and what to do next.

Quarantining after arriving from abroad
We are pleased to confirm that our students travelling from overseas will be supported as much as possible to arrive back at Sussex.
 
As international travel restrictions are still in place, with most people arriving from abroad needing to quarantine for 10 days, we have put a range of support measures in place for our students.  Please factor this quarantine period into your travel plans.
 
If you are travelling from an Amber or Red list country please read all the information regarding this support on the Student Hub, where you will be able to explore the financial help available if you need to quarantine after arriving from abroad.
 
Looking ahead
We know that many of our students haven’t yet had the chance to enjoy all that campus has to offer and so we will be inviting all of our students, not just first years’ to get involved in our huge range of Welcome Week activities this year.
 
Please look out for more information on how to get involved over the coming weeks.  We want to do everything we can to help you get the most out of this time in your life – and get ready to start your studies with your fellow students.
 
We encourage you to keep an eye on the Student Hub to see what’s coming up.
 
Finally, if you’ve not been at Sussex for a while, here’s a reminder of everything that’s great about our campus, Brighton and Hove and the beautiful surrounding countryside.
 
With best wishes

Kelly Coate
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students

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