INDEPENDENT SAGE LAUNCH CONSULTATION ON RETURN OF UNIVERSITIES
@IndependentSAGE Launch Consultation On Safe Return Of Universities
Today’s briefing will focus on a consultation for the return of universities to campus:
- As universities set to return Independent SAGE launch consultation report into how this can be done safely
- Universities should focus on providing excellent quality remote learning rather than on opening up campuses that are likely to close again
- For students who are studying from home the government should provide support through local COVID-safe study hubs and grants for technology and WIFI
- If students have to attend campus a COVID-safe university should be secured through:
- Testing on or before arrival on campus followed up by further regular testing of students and staff
- Online welcome week and teaching in the first two weeks of term along with restrictions of social activities among students where feasible
- Mitigations in classrooms including masks, social distancing of two meters as the norm and regular cleaning
- Residential bubbles
- a social agreement of Covid-safe behaviours on campus. This should cover students, teachers and all university support staff
- full consultation with University staff, rigorous health and safety procedures and attention to equality and diversity issues
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