Self-isolation advice and support for students
It is very important that people with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result stay at home and avoid contact with other household members as much as possible. If you are self-isolating you should not leave your home unless there is a medical emergency or a fire alarm. The latest Government guidance on self-isolation can be viewed here.
If you have been told to self-isolate, help and support is available.
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What to do if you need to self-isolate
Please be aware that UK Government Legislation states that should you develop COVID-19 symptoms, you have a legal duty to remain at your term-time address and self-isolate for 10 days from when you first developed symptoms.
You must:
- Self-isolate for at least 10 days from when your symptoms appear
- Contact Test and Trace by calling 119 or visit the NHS website to arrange a test for COVID-19
- Notify the University by emailing: deanofstudents@herts.ac.uk
Flatmates and household members should stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
You and your household members should not go to university, work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.
Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.
Friends and family are not allowed to visit anyone who is self-isolating.
The latest Government guidance on self-isolation can be viewed here and further NHS advice about self-isolation can be found here.
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University accommodation: supplies and practical help
Food
You can access food boxes from the University by emailing venues@herts.ac.uk or order food locally and arrange delivery. If you have any issues, please let the Student Support and Welfare Team know as soon as possible for additional options.
Cleaning and shared facilities
A cleaning pack with advice sheet will be delivered to your flat to help keep communal areas COVID-19 safe. Please use before and after use of these areas to reduce the risk of infection to others. Only use the kitchen and bathroom when others are not present. Consider drawing up a rota for use and never share household items. Wipe all hard surfaces with an anti-bacterial spray or wipes before and after use of these areas to reduce the risk of infection to others.
Waste
Rubbish bags will be provided in your cleaning pack. Please double bag your rubbish, place outside your house or flat when full and email the relevant accommodation helpdesk to collect.
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Private rented accommodation: supplies and practical help
Food
Order food locally or from online services and arrange delivery or a friend or family member to collect for you and leave on your doorstep. If this is not possible and you meet the criteria, Hertfordshire County Council can help with emergency food provision. If you have any issues, please let the Student Support and Welfare Team know as soon as possible.
Cleaning and shared facilities
Only use the kitchen and bathroom when others are not present. Consider drawing up a rota for use and never share household items. Wipe all hard surfaces with an anti-bacterial spray or wipes before and after use of these areas to reduce the risk of infection to others.
Waste
Please double bag your rubbish, prior to placing it in the appropriate wheelie bin.
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Teaching, learning and academic support
Contact your programme tutor directly so that they can provide advice on how best to support you with your academic studies during your self-isolation if you are well enough to keep studying. If you do not know who your tutor is, let the Student Support and Welfare Team know. Your tutor will also advise and support you if you miss any teaching.
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Mental health, wellbeing and Active Students support
Mental health and wellbeing
We know that this is a difficult and anxious time for many. If your mental health is suffering or you feel like you are struggling please contact the Student Wellbeing team, they are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Student Minds has developed a resource called Student Space providing wellbeing and advice for students experiencing difficulties in the COVID-19 pandemic. They offer one-to-one support for whatever challenge you’re facing, designed for students. Whether it’s your mental health, your studies, money, housing or relationships.
Activities and Active Students
The University has a 14-day quarantine programme which Active Students and the Dean of Students have organised. The programme has 14 days of activities for students to do and help keep themselves entertained and active during the self-isolation period. More information can be found here.
There are also plenty of other online events and activities you can engage with at the University.