Coronavirus information for staff

For the academic year 2020/21 teaching will be via blended delivery. This will comprise – online synchronous (those sessions where students are engaged in learning at the same time) and asynchronous (not real time) learning activities, face-to-face activity on campus, practical teaching sessions in our specialist facilities and a supportive and engaging learning environment, complemented by online delivery of our lectures.

There will be reduced campus-based teaching until the end of this calendar year, organised in line with social distancing guidelines.

As Government guidance changes, we will continue to adapt our delivery plans accordingly. 

Staff currently working from home should continue to do so.

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, which should be worn by all staff and students in all indoor learning environments. You can read the full guidance by following the links below:

University of Hull guidance on face coverings.

University of York guidance on face coverings.

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

You must self-isolate if you:

• have any Covid-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new or continuous cough, loss of or change to your sense of taste or smell)
• have tested positive for Covid-19 (you can book a test through the NHS COVID-19 app, or the Government website or by telephoning 119)
• Share a household with someone who has symptoms or who has tested positive
• are contacted and asked to do so either by the Medical School or your University or NHS Test and Trace
• have travelled to the UK from a non-exempt country.

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

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.

Although the current national guidance includes travel restrictions, 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

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.