Lockdown rules for University of Sunderland students returning in January as most learning moves online
The University of Sunderland has told students they must isolate for ten days or test negative for coronavirus before returning to in person teaching this term.
On Monday, January 4, Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a national lockdown for England where he ordered the closure of schools, colleges and universities until at least mid-February.
It means that students, many of who have spent much of their university experience so far with remote learning, now must return to online lessons rather than face-to-face teaching.
The only subjects at the university which are still going ahead with face-to-face teaching are medicine, subjected allied to medicine/health, education (initial teacher training and social work however students should not attend campus unless advised by their tutors.
If students are called back to campus, they must have self-isolated for ten days, or received a negative lateral flow/PCR test (restricting social contact while awaiting the test results), no Covid-19 symptoms and must not have been told to self-isolate through NHS Test and Trace.
The University of Sunderland has recognised the impact that lockdown could have on student’s mental health and has issued a reminder that wellbeing support is still available throughout lockdown.
A spokesperson for the University of Sunderland said: "The wellbeing of our students remains a priority and we continue to offer them a suite of support.
"All students can access the University's wellbeing services and online resources, many of which are available 24/7. Staff offer ‘keeping in touch’ and wellbeing checks when required and respond to incoming enquiries through an online portal.
"Students can access help at all times – either from staff in the Accommodation Team or from security and the We Care team keeps in touch with our care-experienced and estranged students.”
You can view the university’s wellbeing services by clicking here.