Coronavirus COVID-19

Our university campuses and buildings are open to provide study space, student support and specialist facilities to all students.

From 17 May 2021, all students were permitted to return to face-to-face learning and teaching activities, in line with government guidance.

Find out about the programme of activities on offer for students from this date.

Until 17 May, only students undertaking training and study for the following courses were eligible to attend timetabled face-to-face sessions:

• Subjects allied to medicine/health such as Biomedical Sciences, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
• Education such as initial teacher training and PGCEs
• Social work
• Some Arts courses (tutors will advise students directly if their course is eligible)
• Courses which require Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) assessments and or mandatory activity which is scheduled for January and which cannot be rescheduled (your course tutor will notify you if this applies to you).

This advice is based on government guidance to universities and students on how students can return safely to higher education in the spring term.

Course tutors and all support staff at York St John will do everything they can to support students whilst they are studying remotely. Please see the information on our Support for students webpage.

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

• Stay at home: 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

• Local COVID alert levels

• COVID restrictions in your local area

• Situation in the UK

• Information about the virus and symptoms

• Advice for travellers

• Guidance for educational settings

A YSJ COVID Coordination Centre team is working closely with City of York Council, Public Health and Health Protection Teams to manage the COVID Control Plan for York St John University and reduce transmission of COVID-19.

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

The team is led by Dr Amanda Wilcox, University Secretary and representatives from Health and Safety, HR, IT, Student Life, Registry, Estates, International and the Students' Union.

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

Any queries for the team should be emailed to COVIDcoordination@yorksj.ac.uk.

Yes, it's really easy to access asymptomatic Lateral Flow (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 Foss Sports Hall for anyone with no symptoms. 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 begin self-isolating for 10 days from the onset of symptoms.

1) a new continuous cough

2) a high temperature

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

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home or in university accommodation and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your support bubble. Students in university accommodation should not return to their parental home.

As per NHS guidance, you should seek to be tested as soon as possible. You can book a PCR test to check if you have COVID-19 on the government website. Please note: if you have already received a positive result from a Lateral Flow Device test, 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 begin experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are self-isolating for any reason.

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, it is important that you 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.

IMPORTANT: If you have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, but do not have symptoms, colleagues, students and members of your household can continue normal activities.

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

Read about what the COVID-19 app does.

Read more about guidance for contact with a confirmed case.

It is essential that you observe self-isolation periods in full, or you could face a fine.

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

It is essential that you submit a self-isolation reporting form if you receive a positive test result. If you need any further advice on self-isolation or coronavirus testing, please contact COVIDcoordination@yorksj.ac.uk.

Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must self-isolate for 10 days from when you start self-isolating.

Read more about how long to self-isolate.

You must fully observe self-isolation periods or you could be liable for fines.

You and your household or support bubble 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.

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 is a difficult time for everyone. 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.