Whilst the pandemic may have drifted into the background on the current media cycle, it is still important that you are familiar with the latest advice and regulations regarding COVID-19, especially regarding testing for on-campus visits.
IF YOU CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR BELOW, YOU CAN EMAIL ANY QUERIES TO COVID19ENQUIRIES@BARTSLONDON.COM.
QMUL COVID
RULES & GUIDANCE:
The QMUL Covid Code outlines all of the rules and regulations implemented by QMUL that relate to coronavirus. These rules are in addition to (but do not overrule) the Government coronavirus guidance and laws.
If a student develops Covid-19 symptoms they must alert Student Life via studenthealth@qmul.ac.uk.
We also recommend you contact your relevant course administrator, head of year or module lead to notify them of your absence and so they can support your academic needs.
Covid Vaccination on Mile End Campus:
Click here to book an appointment or walk in to the vaccine centre on Mile End campus in Bancroft building to get your covid vaccination.
Regular testing for students going to campus:
Students who are attending campus should partake in regular twice weekly asymptomatic testing using Lateral Flow Tests. This testing is offered free of charge by QMUL either on site or via home test kits. Book appointments or test kits here.
If you are living on, or regularly travelling to, our campuses, you should carry out 2 test per week.
If you have coronavirus symptoms you must not go to one of the Queen Mary test sites on campus, even to attend a pre-booked test, as you may endanger students and staff. You should instead arrange an NHS Covid-19 test.
If students are on a placement and not attending university facilities, they should follow and participate in any testing regime in place at their placement.
Info for Residents:
If you are a QMUL Halls resident, you must also follow the residences Covid guidance. More information will have been sent to you or can be accessed on the residential support website. You can also email residential support with any questions or concerns or to anonymously report anyone you fear may not be following the guidance.
GOVERNMENT COVID RULES & GUIDANCE
England is now slowly easing restrictions in phases and has now entered Step 4 where most legal Covid restrictions have been lifted. However, cases are rising and we all need to continue to do our part to ensure we all remain safe and keep those around us safe. It is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated, and we are still in the third wave of this pandemic in the UK. You should get a test and follow the stay at home guidance if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
The restrictions that remain are:
legal requirement to isolate when positive or when contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
Isolation period is usually 10 days.
You and your household should also start isolating and get a PCR test if you develop Covid-19 symptoms. You should continue to isolate for 10 days from when symptoms started and can only end this if the test result comes back negative.
border quarantine (10 days): for all arriving from red list countries and for those people not fully vaccinated arriving from amber list countries.
A test to release system can allow some to end quarantine early.
However, in England, most legal restrictions to control COVID-19 have been lifted at step 4. This means that:
You do not need to stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with. There are also no limits on the number of people you can meet.
However, in order to minimise risk at a time of high prevalence, you should limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with, and increase close contact gradually. This includes minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
You should meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces.
The Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can. However, the Government expects and recommends a gradual return over the summer.
The requirement to wear face coverings in law has been lifted. However, the Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport. On campus, follow the QMUL face covering policy.
There are no longer limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, civil partnerships, funerals and other life events (including receptions and celebrations). There is no requirement for table service at life events, or restrictions on singing or dancing. You should follow guidance for weddings and funerals to reduce risk and protect yourself and others.
There are no longer restrictions on group sizes for attending communal worship.
There are no more restrictions on group sizes that can meet indoors or outdoors.
COVID-19 has not gone away, so it’s important to remember the actions you can take to keep yourself and others safe. Everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious.
Higher Education provision can also now resume in person for all students although QMUL will continue to offer a mix of online and in person education. Please refer to emails from the Dean or from the Principal for more information and to know if you’re expected on campus.
Please click below for more information and to keep up to date.
BLSA services & SPACES
BLSA remains active and will continue to look after our students’ wellbeing and work with the University and BL School of Medicine and Dentistry to ensure the educational and general experience of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry students is the best it can be.
Student groups are active. Contact your student group for more information.
Full information about our facilities can be found here.
FULL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EVENTS IS FOUND HERE.
Students should follow us to stay up to date on our latest campaigns and news
Wellbeing
advice
The current COVID-19 pandemic is understandably making many students feel very anxious about the future. If you feel you need some extra help or support, please utilise the below resources. For specific questions email welfare@bartslondon.com- we will be able to point you in the right direction.
If your life is in danger or you are having a medical emergency call 999
SMD Student Support
Student Support are offering virtual appointments while staff are working remotely until further notice due to the Coronavirus situation. They should be your first port of call if you are worried about anything. Contact them on smd-student-support@qmul.ac.uk.
Also contact them if you are worried about Covid risk to yourself or others.
Advice and Counselling
QMUL Advice and Counselling are currently offering an online service while staff are working remotely until further notice. Advisers and Counsellors are able to offer students appointments via video calls or phone calls in much the same way as usual.
QMUL Togetherall
Formally called “Big White Wall”, Togetherall offers unlimited, 24/7 accessible online support – you can connect with peers, chat online to clinicians, use self-help resources, join groups or take self-assessments. It is also completely confidential. Sign up for free under QMUL with your university e-mail address.
Financial Support
If you are worried about the impact of covid-19 on your ability to stay financially stable, contact Kate McFarlane at k.mcfarlane@qmul.ac.uk
Feeling Isolated? self-isolating?
We have developed a collection of useful resources for you to use and engage with if feeling isolated or self-isolating. This includes useful contacts and fun activities you can do from your bedroom.
NEED ALTERNATIVE ACCOMODATION?
For those still attending face to face education over lockdown, BLSA have been able to secure with QMUL some discounted, flexible accommodation in Mile End for those who live with clinically vulnerable family members and therefore need alternative accommodation.
External Resources
Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF)
If you are a medical student in exceptional and unexpected hardship due to ill health, disability or bereavement, you may be eligible for financial help, which the RMBF can help you with. They have also updated their website to deal specifically with COVID-19.
Student Minds
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. They have developed a new platform, Student Space, collaboratively with services, higher education professionals, researchers and students to to make it easier for you to find the support that you need during the coronavirus pandemic.
Every Mind Matters
This NHS approved app gives users a personalised mental health plan and signposts to various different support services. It gives you simple and practical advice to get a healthier mind and get more out of life – from how to deal with stress and anxiety, to boosting your mood or sleeping better.
Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, you can call Samaritans any time, from any phone for free on 116 123. They offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You can also email or write a letter, and a volunteer will respond.
MIND
Mind is a mental health charity which provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They provide reliable information and tips to help you cope during this time. As well as this, they provide helpful advice on giving support to someone else with a mental health problem.
Future Learn
On this free course, you can learn helpful, practical techniques to cope with low mood and depression during the lockdown period and beyond. You would examine how to structure your day and improve sleep and diet; and explore how to build positive family communication, and learn tips on how to manage your thoughts and feelings, building long-lasting resilience along the way.
COVID-19 Volunteering
We understand many students may be approached or wanting to get involved to support the NHS in these difficult times. We thank students for their dedication towards this and BLSA remain committed to supporting our Trusts, the NHS and our community as best we can.
We also want to remind you that it is very important that all students ensure they have the full required training and clearances before working in any NHS role - you should check this with the work organiser. This is for the safety of yourselves and of patients as we must ensure everyone who works in the NHS is fully trained, cleared to do so and properly insured. The protections you get as a clinical student on placement do not automatically allow you to work as an employee, HCA or otherwise, within a Trust without certain additional clearances being undertaken.
You should also ensure you are not at an increased risk should you contract Covid and should highlight any concerns or potential risks you may have to any employer so they can risk-assess you.
QMUL are also offering heavily discounted rates for housing in Mile End for those who need a place to stay whilst working or volunteering. Find out more below.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE NHS:
THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE OR ARE VOLUNTEERING and those who have OR ARE registerING an interest.
BLSA and its students are dedicated in our efforts to continue supporting the NHS in this time of need. Although we are no longer actively recruiting or supporting the recruitment of students, we are helping advertise different opportunities for students to support the NHS at this time.
STUDENTS ARE CURRENTLY ABLE TO:
WORK AS HCAs VIA THEIR PLACEMENT PROVIDERS: students currently attending clinical placements in hospitals can sign up, via the education academy and placement organiser, to work as a Healthcare Assistant. This work should only be done in a students’ spare time, outside of timetabled teaching or placement and should be limited according to the School’s maximal hours requirements outlined below. Education should not be compromised in order to work in these roles.
CONTACT PROVIDERS DIRECTLY: students can get in touch with NHS providers directly or check out some of the opportunities below which BLSA are advertising but for which BLSA are not involved in recruitment. With these opportunities, students contact the provider directly and organise to work for them in a number of roles. However, they must ensure they receive adequate training and have the required right to work and occupational health clearances. This work should only be done in a students’ spare time, outside of timetabled teaching or placement and should be limited according to the School’s maximal hours requirements outlined below. Education should not be compromised in order to work in these roles.
WORK AS VACCINATORS: students can contact vaccine centres directly and train to become and work as vaccinators there. Some vaccine centre contacts and training programmes to work as a vaccinator are outlined and advertised below.
Students must ensure they receive adequate training and have the required right to work and occupational health clearances. This work should only be done in a students’ spare time, outside of timetabled teaching or placement and should be limited according to the School’s maximal hours requirements outlined below. Education should not be compromised in order to work in these roles.
UNIVERSITY MAXIMAL HOURS REQUIREMENTS:
The University have agreed to allow students to work in the above roles as long as this does not negatively impact the education and wellbeing of students. Therefore, the following maximum hours apply for all students when working in the above roles and must be respected by students:
For iBSc Intercalators, Medicine and Dentistry: 12hours per week maximum.
For PA: 12 hrs per week maximum. 3rd year PAs can volunteer as long as they have completed their mandatory hours.
Other students: should contact course leads about any maximum hours limits.
If you are currently on holiday, these hours don't apply but will apply again when you're back in education.
PLEASE LOOK AFTER YOURSELVES AND SEEK HELP AND SUPPORT IF NEEDED: BARTSLONDON.COM/WELFARE
ANY QUESTIONS: email covid19enquiries@bartslondon.com
QMUL are also offering heavily discounted rates for housing in Mile End for those who need a place to stay whilst working or volunteering. Find out more below.
OPPORTUNITIES:
BLSA are no longer actively recruiting or supporting the recruitment of students into roles but we will adveryise any opportunities that have been discussed with us and the Unioversity below.
Please note: these opportunities are not run by the SMD or BLSA. Students should ensure all correct processes are followed including training, occupational health clearances and right to work checks. The continuation of education for students is a priority and taking part in these roles should not negatively impact this. Remember all students must follow the Univerity’s Maximal Hours Requirements outlined above.
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HOUSING SUPPORT:
QMUL are also offering heavily discounted rates for housing in Mile End for those who need a place to stay whilst working or volunteering. Find out more below.
EXTERNAL VOLUNTEERING ORGANISATIONS:
Guidance and FAQs
If you are a group or organisation looking for student volunteers or other support from our students, please email covid19enquiries@bartslondon.com
International Students
The UK is currently operating a tier system where, depending on which tier (red, amber or green) the country you are traveling from is in and depending on your vaccination status, you may need to isolate for 10 days upon arrival to the UK. Depending on which tier the country you are traveling from is in, you may need to isolate in a government approved quarantine hotel.
Many countries also require a or multiple negative PCR tests to travel into (and our of) the UK.
For certain travellers, a test-to-release scheme can be used to end self-isolation early but specific rules apply.
The university is trying its best to account for international students and quarantine but certain courses require students on campus. You therefore need to contact your course leads if you believe you will be affected by quarantine.
FAQs
Welfare faqs
Will there be any 'student community' groups to support each other and try to stay calm and positive?
You are encouraged to join our Connecting Practice e-huddles. These groups allow students to come together on a regular basis to discuss how they are feeling, they experiences and simply have a quick natter!
As stated above, there is also the option of contacting SMD Student Support if you are feeling worried in these difficult times.
You may also want to check out our clubs, societies and volunteering groups. Each offer tailored experiences and a close-knit community of people with similar interests for you to join.
Is there any support for those self-isolating (in or outside halls)?
Yes, self-isolation is a very important tool in the fight against Coronavirus but we understand how stressful and lonely it can be. We want to ensure all our students feel supported during this time and that no one has to go through self-isolation without the help they need and deserve.
With this in mind, we have developed a collection of useful resources for you to use and engage with if feeling isolated which you can also use if self-isolating. This includes useful contacts and fun activities you can do from your bedroom. You can also check out our regular events, many of which occur online.
If self-isolating in halls, you can also visit the residential support website or contact them (24/7) for additional support (including with ordering a test, ordering food, household goods and more) or to ask any questions you may have.
I live with vulnerable individuals and have to attend face to face education. Can I be offered support?
For those still attending face to face education, BLSA have been able to secure some discounted, flexible accommodation in Mile End from QMUL for those who live with clinically vulnerable family members and therefore need alternative accommodation. More info here.
CAMPUS AND STUDENT LIFE:
Will the student union facilities be open?
Some of our spaces are open within Government guidance and rules. Find out more below.
Full information, including about our Covid safety precautions, are available here.
QMotion is now open. Information on QMotion can be found here.
Will the University facilities be open?
Study spaces remain open for those who need them. You should follow government, local and university guidance outlined above.
All 3 libraries, the Garrod building and the IT suite in the Robin Brook Centre are open but spaces must be pre-booked via the library website. Please visit the QMUL library website and the QMUL website for the latest information on University facilities.
If you need to practice clinical skills, the skills labs in the Robin Brook Centre are open for self-directed learning for eligible students. Those eligible will have been emailed details on this.
What are the QMUL rules surrounding Covid, social distancing and face coverings?
More information is available in the QMUL Covid Code. Please make sure you familiarise yourself with this.
I have developed Covid symptoms and/or tested positive for Coronavirus, what should I do?
If a student develops Covid-19 symptoms they must alert Student Life via studenthealth@qmul.ac.uk.
If you live in QMUL halls, also email residential-support@qmul.ac.uk and residences-reception@qmul.ac.uk (this email is is manned between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm 7 days a week) or call 020 7882 6470 (phoneline manned 24/7) so that the residences team can support you and inform your household.
We also recommend you contact your relevant course administrator, head of year or module lead to notify them of your absence and so they can support your academic needs.
I am self-isolating, what does this mean if I am in halls?
Self-isolation means you cannot leave your household under any circumstance (unless there is an emergency). You must also try and stay in your room as much as possible, not see anyone outside your household and minimise contact with anyone inside your household.
The residences team will support you through your isolation if you are isolating in halls. This will include helping with ordering a test, ordering food, household goods and more.
We have developed a collection of useful resources for you to use and engage with which you can use if self-isolating. This includes useful contacts and fun activities you can do from your bedroom.
Is there any support for those self-isolating (in or outside halls)?
Yes, self-isolation is a very important tool in the fight against Coronavirus but we understand how stressful and lonely it can be. We want to ensure all our students feel supported during this time and that no one has to go through self-isolation without the help they need and deserve.
With this in mind, we have developed a collection of useful resources for you to use and engage with if feeling isolated which you can also use if self-isolating. This includes useful contacts and fun activities you can do from your bedroom. You can also check out our regular events, many of which occur online.
If self-isolating in halls, you can also visit the residential support website or contact them (manned from 8am-8pm every day - for 24/7 support call 020 7882 6470) for additional support (including with ordering a test, ordering food, household goods and more) or to ask any questions you may have.
Will student groups be active?
Student groups are remaining active, albeit in different way than usual with a heavier online presence. Find out more about societies, sport and volunteering groups at BL.
Outdoor and indoor organised sport is now allowed in England under government guidance so many sports clubs are able to provide training again.
You can also find more by following some of the Instagram pages below (Facebook pages are also available):
You can also follow each group’s individual social media.
Running a Student Group
I am part of a student group and am worried about engagement. Where can I advertise my group?
We understand the current situation is going to bring challenges for student groups. We are working hard to ensure this is minimised and that student groups still have lots of opportunities to advertise themselves. Find out more about advertising as a student group here.
What events can I organise as a student group?
Physical events may be allowed under certain circumstances and outdoor grassroot sports are allowed. Contact your group or the sport/society team for full information.
Online events should follow usual QMSU policies (external speakers need approval etc), must be financially non-risky and should be held on a secure platform such as Microsoft Teams. Contact your relevant staff support for help.
More information on running a student group available here.
Any Questions?
Email any queries you may have to covid19enquiries@bartslondon.com