Liverpool Hope University is asking students and staff to make themselves familiar with new regional Covid-19 rules issued by the Government today (Thurs 1 Oct).
The new guidelines apply to the Liverpool City Region and Warrington - as well as further afield in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough - and come into play from Saturday (3 Oct).
Different households are now banned from meeting indoors, including places such as pubs.
While not illegal, it’s also strongly recommended different households do not mix outside, in places such as parks or beer gardens.
People should also:
- Not attend amateur sports events as spectators
- Only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances
- Not travel unless it is essential - for example to school and work
For Hope students, the guidance reiterates the need to only mix with those in their residential flat or bubble.
And the existing safety provisions adopted by Hope will remain in place.
All teaching which does not require the use of specialist teaching spaces, such as workshops, laboratories and studios, has been moved online. Teaching in specialist spaces will continue but will be kept under regular review.
For other sessions the move online is a temporary measure which will be reviewed at the beginning of November.
Students have also signed a ‘Student Commitment Declaration’, which binds them to a range of commitments including following Covid-19 social distancing rules, not organising or attending on or off-campus parties and wearing a face covering when in public areas.
Hope has launched its own track and trace initiative - the ‘SafeZone’ app - in order to protect the entire Hope family.
Meanwhile students have been allocated to learning bubbles and there are residential bubbles for those in halls.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs the new rules "are necessary" in order to curb the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.
Mr Hancock also said £7m funding would be provided to support areas affected.
For all the latest Government guidance and advice: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
You can also find the latest regional advice from Liverpool City Council here: https://liverpool.gov.uk/