Coronavirus COVID-19

Yes. 

Since September 2021, face to face lectures and other teaching activities in laboratories, studios and specialist spaces have been provided on our campuses. York St John University remains committed to providing in person activities as the central core of our teaching and learning offer.

The COVID-19 situation around the world changes rapidly and we recommend you check the latest information published by the UK Government:

• The latest and most up-to-date information from Gov.uk

• Guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection

• Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19 infection who do not live with the person

• Situation in the UK

• Information about the virus and symptoms

• Advice for travellers

• Guidance for educational settings

A YSJ COVID-19 Response team works closely with City of York Council, Public Health and Health Protection Teams to manage the COVID Control Plan for York St John University.

A COVID Coordination team uses data from existing sickness and absence reporting procedures which have been adapted to capture the information needed to monitor periods of self-isolation and any positive cases.

The teams are led by Dr Amanda Wilcox, Pro Vice Chancellor: Governance and Student Life, and representatives from HR, Student Life, Registry, Strategic Projects, Executive Support and Communications.  

The teams' priorities are to protect the health of all members of the University community and reduce disruption to University academic activities.

Any COVID queries should be emailed to COVIDcoordination@yorksj.ac.uk.

Yes, it's really easy to access asymptomatic Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests and you can now collect home testing kits and take regular tests on campus without booking.

The tests are free and available from information desks in Holgate or Fountains Library or from the symptom-free testing site in QN006. Check the City of York Council website for opening times or to book a test online.

Staff or students displaying one or a combination of the symptoms below should remain at home or return home to university accommodation immediately and book a PCR test.

1) a new continuous cough

2) a high temperature

3) a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

If you, or any members of the same household are not fully vaccinated, exempt from vaccination or aged under 18 years and 6 months, then you should isolate for a period of 10 days.

You can book a PCR test on the government website.

If you have received a positive result from a Lateral Flow Device test AND have symptoms, you should take a confirmatory PCR test within two days of your positive LFD test result.

All staff and students must notify the University immediately if they test positive or are self-isolating.

Students must report if they are self-isolating for ANY reason via the yorksj.ac.uk/reportcovid form on our website. Reporting cases of self-isolation is essential so that we can provide you with support and resources.

Staff need to report every absence (whether symptomatic, or self-isolating with no symptoms) using the COVID-19 Reporting Form on the intranet.

Please advise your manager if you cannot do this for any reason. Line Managers / Academic Leads can complete the COVID-19 Reporting Form on behalf of others.

If you are instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app, and you are not exempt, you must do so. Please inform us that you are self-isolating by completing a self-isolation reporting form, either the Absence and Self-Isolation form for students or the COVID-19 reporting form for staff.

Staff and students are encouraged to download the NHS Test and Trace app.

Read more about guidance for contact with a confirmed case.

If your test is positive, you must self-isolate.

Please follow government guidance on the ‘Stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection’ page, updated 30 December 2021.

What you need to do next depends on the type of test you had (PCR or lateral flow). Read full guidance on what to next on the NHS ‘Positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19)’ page.

Students - it is essential that you let us know your test result via the yorksj.ac.uk/reportcovid form on our website. Reporting cases of self-isolation is essential so that we can provide you with support and resources.

Staff need to report every postitive test result using the COVID-19 Reporting Form on the intranet.

If you need any further advice on self-isolation or COVID testing, please contact COVIDcoordination@yorksj.ac.uk.

You and your household do not need to continue self-isolating if your test was negative. If no one in your household is displaying symptoms, you can all return to normal activity.

Read more about what your test result means.

If you are symptomatic, or contacted by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you may be advised to take a PCR test. While waiting for your test results, you are not required to self-isolate if you are fully vaccinated or aged under 18 years and 6 months. However, the decision to self-isolate in these circumstances will be strongly encouraged and supported by York St John University. If you choose to isolate whilst waiting for your test result, please report your absence or self-isolation so that your self-isolation is recorded.    

Even if you are vaccinated, you can still be infected with COVID-19 and pass it on to others. If you are a contact of someone with COVID-19 but not required to self-isolate, you can still help protect others by following the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread. In addition to getting a PCR test, you may also consider:

• limiting close contact with other people outside your household, especially in enclosed spaces
• wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and where you are unable to maintain social distancing
• limiting contact with anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable
• taking part in twice weekly LFD testing

You may also find this stay at home illustration useful.

If you have not yet received both vaccinations and you have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, for any reason, you must do so and it is an offence to ignore this direction. You must not come to campus.

Prejudice will absolutely not be tolerated at York St John University.

Anxiety about COVID-19 has led to some reactions that are unhelpful and at times, upsetting. This continues to be difficult time for many people. For any students or staff to face discrimination is deeply unfair. Our University welcomes staff and students from all over the world and we expect everyone to be treated equally and with respect. If you see or experience any unwelcome comments or behaviours from other students in relation to COVID-19 transmission, please report it. Use our anonymous report and support process. Reporting incidents means the University can combat these behaviours, so do report anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Please also get in touch with our Wellbeing Team if you would find it helpful to talk to someone. They can be contacted by email at wellbeing@yorksj.ac.uk. Our University Chaplain Revd. Jane Speck is also available to support those of all faiths and none. She can be contacted by email j.speck@yorksj.ac.uk or phone 01904 876606.