Hello. I'm Cassie Wilson, Vice-President for
Student Experience at the university. Covid-19 has meant
that worldwide we've had to adapt to a new reality and
make changes to the way we live and work and the University is no exception but
by working as a community we can take steps individually and
together to minimise risk and ensure you have the safest possible
start to the semester. So what have we done already on campus
to keep our community safe? I'd like you to hear from some people
who have been working hard to make campus
Covid secure.
You may notice some changes to university buildings on our campus as we
put in place measures to enhance your safety and well-being.
Some examples include putting social distancing measures in place
and changing how we use our spaces to support this.
Where appropriate, we've also implemented one-way systems
and applied maximum occupancy restrictions in some areas
We're installing hand sanitiser stations at building entrances and exits
and enhancing cleaning regimes. We'll also make an initial supply of reusable
face coverings available to staff and students who need them to support
their return to campus.
We've been working with both the local
council and bus operator to plan Covid secure routes between campus
town and residential areas. We're pleased that the previous U2 route will be
served with a replacement service, the number 20, as we know this is
important to both staff and students.
We've staggered the start
and end times of in-person teaching sessions
and we have secured additional space on campus and in town
to ease pressure on buildings and transport.
For new students traveling from countries that require a period of
self-isolation after arriving in the UK, we have
reserved spaces in our accommodation on campus
so we can offer support and make you feel welcome.
But we all need to work together as a community to minimise risk
so what steps can you take?
One important way we can help protect ourselves and each other is to wash our
hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds every
time you get home or into work, blow your nose sneeze or cough, use the
toilet or eat or handle food. Workspaces will receive enhanced
cleaning and please use the hand sanitisers at the entrances and exits to buildings.
Physical distancing doesn't mean losing social connection
but it does mean giving people their space wherever possible.
This means trying to maintain at least a two meter distance between yourself
and other people not in your household. We have designed our teaching spaces to
enable two meter distancing to be maintained as far as practical,
we have reduced occupancy of teaching spaces
and increased ventilation. We are also encouraging people to wear suitable face
covering when indoors.
Make sure you know when and where you're required to wear face coverings on
campus, for example in the shops and food
outlets. This may change so keep an eye out for updates.
We also offer a click and collect service where you
can order items online. Please do not forget your mask.
Please remember there are some people who can't wear face coverings for health,
age or equality reasons so please be supportive.
We're in this together.
Remember that wearing face coverings on buses
is mandatory, with limited exemptions and we ask that all members of our
community are mindful, patient and kind in our
interactions with fellow passengers and bus drivers. Buses are likely to be
operating with reduced capacity so please take a look at the university
webpage for alternative ways to get to campus,
including walking and cycling.
We know that we all feel lucky to count Bath as our home. It's a welcoming and
beautiful city and we want to carry on playing our part as good neighbours and
citizens. Please be aware that some local
residents may be vulnerable due to health conditions, they may have
caring responsibilities or be working long hours as key workers.
We're asking that all members of our community are mindful,
patient and kind in our interactions with local residents.
It's only natural that changing the ways and living restrictions can cause
tension, frustration and anxiety. Now
more than ever we need to talk, share and care. You can reach out to a number of
places for support: tutors, wellbeing advisors, SU advice and
support, or student Living Ambassadors for those
living in university accommodation. Please reach out you are not alone.
Remember by working as a community we can minimise risks
and move forward together. Be safe. Be kind. Belong. Together
Together. Together. Together.