Protect yourself and others
Vaccination against COVID-19
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to be fully vaccinated. See information on vaccination and booster doses on our vaccination page.
Although vaccination significantly reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19, other measures to limit viral spread are still important.
Actions we can take to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 or other respiratory illness and passing it on to others include:
- ensuring good ventilation
- good hand and surface hygiene
- wearing a face-covering
- limiting social contact if experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection
The UK Government has published guidance on measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
Follow the rules of the area you are in
Information on this page is given as general guidelines. Departments and Colleges have conducted risk assessments for their own spaces and activities, and will set rules about mitigation measures locally. Please look out for local signage and follow the rules of the area you are in. These guidelines may be revised in line with changes in the public health situation.
Rules and guidelines are important in establishing common standards of behaviour and controlling identified risks, but it is also advisable to talk to the people you are working or studying alongside about their comfort zones and expectations. In our diverse, international community there is a wide spectrum of experiences and attitudes to COVID-19 risk, and it will help if we can all be aware of, and considerate towards, other people as we navigate the latest phase of the pandemic together.
Practical safety measures
Ventilation
Good ventilation reduces the build-up of airborne virus particles, so you are less likely to catch coronavirus from an infectious person if you are outdoors or in a well-ventilated indoor space. Where possible, prioritise ventilation: this could mean arranging to meet outside, keeping doors and windows open, or leaving time between meetings in an enclosed space to allow the air to change over. All University indoor spaces have had a ventilation risk assessment: please follow local signage and instructions where displayed.
Hand and surface hygiene
It is less common to catch COVID-19 via contact with a contaminated surface but it is possible to be infected if you touch a surface contaminated with the virus and then touch your nose, eyes or mouth. Hand washing with soap and water/ using hand sanitiser remains important. There may also be local cleaning protocols requiring you to eg clean a shared desk/workstation between users. Please follow local instructions.
NHS advice on how to wash your hands effectively
Face-coverings
Face-coverings help to reduce distribution of the airborne particles that spread coronavirus. The Department for Education’s guidance no longer advises staff, students and visitors to use face coverings in teaching settings or communal areas –
We encourage staff and students to consider wearing a face covering when coming into contact with people at an increased risk of catching a communicable disease and show on-going consideration for individuals who wish to continue wearing a face covering.
Increased vulnerability
People who were previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) are no longer advised by the UK Government to shield or to follow specific national guidance. As a minimum, you should continue to follow Government guidance on staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19. You should consider advice from your health professional on whether additional precautions are right for you. See UK Government advice at: Guidance for people previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.