Coronavirus: Information for staff

From 19 July Government guidance is no longer to ‘work from home if you can’. While we are very much looking forward to welcoming staff back to campus, we appreciate that there may be staff who are concerned. Our aim is to ensure a safe and supported return to campus which recognises both individual and service needs. We will work to support a phased return to our campuses, allowing colleagues time to adapt to being back on campus and to reacclimatise to the workplace as restrictions end. Those colleagues who are required to be on campus are able to continue to do so and should follow health and safety guidance issued by the University of Hull and the University of York. Colleagues should continue to work closely with their line manager and raise any concerns they have with them in the first instance.

We recognise that there may be colleagues who may be unable to return to campus for example if they are shielding or due to caring responsibilities. We are committed to working with colleagues to understand their individual circumstances. Colleagues should speak with their line manager in the first instance.

We understand that researchers may be worried about the impact of Covid-19 on their research. Our Universities are continuing to closely and proactively monitor guidance from Government and are providing regular updates to staff as to what this guidance means for teaching and learning and research. Staff should contact their Research Group Head or the School’s Directors of Research Professor Barry Wright and Professor Matthew Hardman in the first instance.

Staff should also visit the University of Hull and University of York coronavirus web pages for latest information.

We together with our Universities have undertaken comprehensive risk assessments for all of our on-campus activity. This activity will be reviewed in line with any new Covid-19 health and safety guidance. Staff and students should look out for communications from the School and their University which will include information about the latest health and safety guidance as it arises, as well as guidance on keeping ourselves and members of our community safe.

Our Universities have clear guidance on face coverings. You can read the full guidance on the University of Hull and University of York websites.

Staff at NHS sites should follow the guidance of their NHS Trust.

When to self-isolate

Self-isolate straight away and get a PCR test (a test that is sent to the lab) on GOV.UK as soon as possible if you have any of these 3 symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

You should also self-isolate straight away if:

• you've tested positive for COVID-19 – this means you have the virus
• someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive (unless you are not required to self-isolate – check below if this applies to you)
• you've been told to self-isolate following contact with someone who tested positive – find out what to do if you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app

You must not come to campus you should report to the Medical School and University that you are self-isolating.

When do you not need to self-isolate

If someone you live with has symptoms of COVID-19, or has tested positive for COVID-19, you will not need to self-isolate if any of the following apply:

• you're fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine given by the NHS
• you're under 18 years, 6 months old
• you're taking part or have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial
• you're not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Even if you do not have symptoms, you should still:

• get a PCR test on GOV.UK to check if you have COVID-19
• follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19
• consider limiting contact with people who are at higher risk from COVID-19

For further information about how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of Covid-19 visit the Government website.

If you are self-isolating for any of the reasons outlined above, you should notify us by completing the University COVID-19 self-isolation form for University of Hull or University of York.

University of Hull self-isolation form

University of York self-isolation form

Staff should also notify their line manager.

Anyone self-isolating should also follow Government guidance for self-isolation.

For the latest UK Government travel guidance please visit the gov.uk page here.

Medicine and PA students can continue to travel to and from their clinical placements. However, we ask that students consider the risk of travelling from their home/term time accommodation to their placement site where NHS accommodation is available to them, and adhere to government guidance on safe travel.

Academics, professional support staff, clinicians and students should visit howto.hyms.ac.uk for support and guidance on the systems and technologies deployed at the Medical School. If you cannot find an answer to your query then email help@hyms.ac.uk

Our universities have a range of resources and support available to staff to help them manage their health and wellbeing while working remotely. Please visit the links below for further information:

University of Hull

University of York

Hull York Medical School is a strong community and throughout recent months members of the community have come together to support each other. Staff can keep up to date with what is happening at the school via the weekly Pulse newsletter, as well as following #hymscommunity on social media. Staff are also welcome to join the Our Community Team on Microsoft Teams where staff from across the school are sharing top tips on making the most of lockdown – from how to stay active, to the best banana bread recipe and how to manage home schooling.