Ahead of the return of students next month, the University of Lincoln has announced new measures to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus on campus.
The university has produced a series of documents outlining how the campus will look in the forthcoming academic year, as well as explaining where students and staff will be asked to wear face coverings.
Students will receive more information in the coming days about what to expect.
Where will face coverings be required?
Masks will be compulsory in enclosed spaces on campus, such as the library, or where social distancing is not possible.
In lectures, seminars and workshops this may alter slightly. In their ‘Policy on Face Coverings’ document, the university has specified that in face-to-face teaching, students and staff may have to wear a visor instead of a face covering.
Furthermore, University of Lincoln staff may not have to wear a mask, face covering or PPE in face-to-face teaching if they are able to keep a two metre distance, as per government guidelines.
Students that live in accommodation blocks will have to wear a mask in public spaces of the block, but will not have to wear one in their own flat.
Those who are exempt from wearing a face-covering should apply for an exemption card on the government website.
Two metre social distancing and one-way systems
As government guidance has not changed, those on campus will have to adhere to two metre social distancing where possible.
To help prevent the spread of Covid-19, one-way systems are being implemented in building entrances and corridors.
Where a two metre distance can continue to be observed in corridors, the university has created a two-lane, one-way system. In this situation, you will be expected to keep to the left-hand side of the corridor.
Similarly, in buildings where there is only one stairwell, a one-way system will be put in place, where again students and staff will be expected to keep to the left.
However, in buildings where there is more than one set of stairs, some will be designated as an ‘up route’ while others will be a ‘down route’.
Will the library be returning to normal?
At the moment, no, the library will not be reopening under normal circumstances. The current online system that is in place will continue as the term begins.
When it does reopen, the library will operate at a reduced capacity to maintain social distancing. Like other buildings, a one-way system will be implemented in all parts of the building.
The university has said that they are considering a “quarantine system for books” in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Is there anything else?
The majority of catering outlets on the campus will be open. However, to help prevent the possible spread of Covid-19, not all of them will be open. All catering outlets will be using contactless payments
Face-to-face teaching sessions will also be shortened from 50 minutes to 45 minutes in order to prevent corridors and communal spaces from becoming crowded.
You can read more on the university policies here.