Dear colleagues,

I am writing to inform you that, as of Friday 30 October, Nottinghamshire will move into the COVID Very High Alert (Tier 3) level. I realise that increased restrictions will be concerning for members of our University community, and want to explain briefly what this means for you.

Within our University the number of active cases of COVID-19 has been on a steady decrease and remains low. While this may show that our COVID-19 security measures are working, there is no room for complacency, and these restrictions have been put in place by the Government in response to the number of cases across the region.

This means that all of the University campuses will be covered by Tier 3 restrictions. These restrictions will be kept under review and are expected to be in place for at least 28 days.

Schools and universities will remain open, and the University will continue as planned with current research activities and our blended approach to teaching-in-person where it is safe to do so, and otherwise online. Travel remains permitted for work and education purposes.

While the new restrictions will not impact our teaching and research activities, they will mean we will all have to abide by tighter rules, particularly around socialising and keeping to households.

Details about the Very High Alert category of restrictions can be found on the Government website here. In addition there are some more specific measures which apply in Nottinghamshire – such as indoor fitness classes being restricted (although gyms, sports centres and other university facilities will remain open). Details of how the restrictions apply to different groups at the University are on our restrictions pages.

Students can still socialise with people that they live with, either in private accommodation or campus residences, and participate in the social activities provided on campus, so long as they remain in their household. The University has increased the number of events and activities to entertain students at home, in halls or on campus as part of our Stay In to Save Lives campaign.

While travel in and out of the area remains permitted for work and education purposes, travel is not advised for other purposes and the government strongly encourages students to remain in their current accommodation and not return to their family home in term time. The University is putting plans in place for the safe movement of students at Christmas and for the start of the Spring term. We are also extending the use of the Hopper buses for students, including introducing new routes, to help ease the burden on local services.

I would remind us all that the three key steps we can take as individuals – wearing a face covering, regularly washing our hands, and maintaining a safe distance – make an enormous difference.

Please always follow this advice and adhere to the new restrictions which in time will help the city and University return to a greater sense of normality.

Thank you as always for your hard work, patience and willingness to support each other in these challenging times.

Best wishes, Andy

Professor Andy Long, FREng
Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor