Advice and Updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

All Covid-19 pandemic related restrictions have been phased out by the government, including requirements to self-isolate if tested positive for Covid-19. However, students and staff should remain cautious and vigilant in taking measures to protect themselves and others. Those who experience Covid-19 related symptoms should do a home test and inform the College should they receive a positive test result. The College will provide further information if necessary based on the circumstances.

The government has published ‘plan for living with Covid-19’. The plan entails removing the remaining legal restrictions while protecting people most vulnerable to COVID-19 and maintaining resilience.

Staff and students in education settings are not required to do their twice-weekly testing. However, everyone should exercise individual responsibility in curbing the transmission and minimising any potential outbreaks.

It is advised that everyone completes their Covid-19 vaccination to protect themselves and others around them.

Following the new guidance, all students, except those in self-isolation or under extenuating circumstances, are required to attend all their learning sessions on campus.

Effective from 24 February, the government has dropped all the Covid-19 related restrictions, including requirements to self-isolate if tested positive for Covid-19. However, individuals are asked to stay at home if they can and avoid contact with other people if tested positive. Similarly, direct contacts of the Covid-19 positive cases are not required to self-isolate and continue with daily tests.

The government has published ‘plan for living with Covid-19’. The plan entails removing the remaining legal restrictions while protecting people most vulnerable to COVID-19 and maintaining resilience.

Staff and students in education settings are not required to do their twice-weekly testing. However, everyone should exercise individual responsibility in curbing the transmission and minimising any potential outbreaks.

Following the new guidance, all students, except those self-isolation or under extenuating circumstances, are required to attend all their learning sessions on campus.

Given the rise in the Covid-19 transmission across the country and the threat posed by the new variant – Omicron, the government has escalated precautionary measures to Level 4. Under which public are required to wear face-coverings in most public indoor places such as large venues, shopping complexes, cinemas, events, public transport, etc.

Due to the cold weather, the indoor venues are becoming less ventilated, increasing the risk of airborne transmission. Therefore, the government recommends indoor areas where people gather to be well ventilated.
There are new rules relating to self-isolation of people in direct contact with someone tested positive for Covid-19. If a fully vaccinated person comes into direct contact with a Covid-19 positive patient, the person needs to continuously take rapid lateral flow tests every day for 7 days. If the person is tested positive or develops symptoms, they need to self-isolate for 10 days and follow NHS guidelines on self-isolation.

There are new guidelines for international travel to curb the further spread of new variants across the borders. Students and staff are required to check the travel restrictions and the requirements for Covid-19 testing and vaccination before their travel. They are advised to take a rapid test before travel and before returning to University or College.

Vaccination is the key to halting and reversing the current trend of transmission of the virus, and it is about protecting oneself, the close ones and others. There is an urgent national appeal to get a booster jab for all eligible adults. The vaccination programme has been accelerated across the country to facilitate vaccine administration. Therefore, we recommend every student and teacher complete their second dose at the earliest and get their booster vaccine shot in time. Those who have not received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine need to book their vaccine appointment as soon as possible.

As WHO Director Tedros Ghebreyesus said, “no one is safe until everyone is safe”; hence, it is everyone’s responsibility to keep their community safe.

Coronavirus still remains a public health risk, and there is concern over the rise in the transmission rate. Therefore, all are advised to stay cautious and help protect themselves and others. We should avoid crowded places, wear face-coverings in large gatherings and ensure good ventilation when meeting people indoors.

It is recommended that students and staff wear face-coverings and maintain social distancing where possible. It is also advised that as a measure of caution and to protect the people around you, we should do regular Covid-19 testing, either through the Asymptomatic Testing Centre or using the Home Testing kits. Those who are tested positive should immediately self-isolate and follow the government guidelines on self-isolation.

Those who are not vaccinated against the Covid-19 should consider getting their vaccines at the earliest, and those who intend to travel abroad should check the Coronavirus related travel advisories of the government before making their travel plans.

Everyone needs to take necessary precautions and follow the covid-secure guidelines to help reverse the current rise in the transmission rate.

From 19th July 2021, the government has announced lifting most of the Covid-19 related legal restrictions. However, the government has urged caution and using one’s judgment in curbing further spread of the virus. It is recommended to wear face-coverings while in public or crowded places and public transport.

Given that the transmission of the Delta variant of Covid-19 is on the rise, the government has indicated that it is right for people to take “personal and corporate responsibility” over measures such as wearing masks. Hence, with personal discretion, students and staff should expect recommendations of some covid-secure measures such as, hand sanitising and face-covering and social distancing during interactions while on campus.

There are no further restrictions for students returning to onsite face-to-face learning and hence all the students are advised to consult their lecturers and join their regular in-classroom sessions. Covid-secure measures including twice-weekly Covid-19 testing will continue on campus as before. However, if you have Covid-19 symptoms or tested positive, you should immediately self-isolate as per the government guidelines.

From 17th May 2021, the government has announced further relaxation in the Coronavirus restrictions across England, including meeting in a group of up to three people indoors, any number from two households and up to 30 people outdoors. However, we are expected to remain cautious and ensure Covid-secure work and study environment with measures in place for social distancing, hand-sanitising facilities, appropriate face-covering, and necessary ventilation. Also, facilitate regular testing of students and staff for Covid-19 through the on-campus Asymptomatic Testing Site. Nevertheless, varied levels of restrictions for travelling abroad, depending on the travel destination, has been put into effect. So it is advisable to thoroughly check the travel restrictions before making any travel plans out of UK.

LSME has resumed on-campus teaching and hence is encouraging all students to return to the College for in-person teaching and learning.

UK Government guidance on Covid-19 and the latest updates are available on www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Further advice for students and staff are available on https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/coronavirus/.

Higher Education Institutes are gradually opening their doors to start face-to-face sessions on campus. At LSME, we have a hybrid learning environment created to facilitate students to attend classes from the College and those taking sessions from their home, ensuring we maintain the same quality and standards. Admissions are open for prospective students to complete their enrolment procedures in a Covid-secure manner.

While we are concerned about the students’ wellbeing during this difficult and challenging situation posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to ensure that the objective and the spirit of teaching and learning is met and the quality of the provision is maintained. The education system has to gradually return to normalcy and provide classroom learning benefits to all the students.

Keeping this in mind, as per the Government guidelines on Covid testing for all the students and staff twice weekly, we have set up an Asymptomatic Testing Centre at our Cambrian House site. We are sure this would give students and staff peace of mind and assurance that the College provides a Covid secure environment for interactive learning on-site. We have placed appropriate social distancing and Covid-secure protocols to minimise transmission risk within the premises. We also have a Covid Outbreak Response Plan, developed in consultation with the local council.

We are moving closer to a full re-opening of classroom teaching and learning; however, we understand that some students are still not confident or have circumstances due to the pandemic and lockdown that restricts their movements. Should you have any such conditions, please communicate to the Admin via email admin@lsme.ac.uk.

If students have difficulties accessing sessions or being affected by the measures in place, please communicate to admin@lsme.ac.uk at the earliest. If you are experiencing any mental health or anxiety-related issues, please consult the student Counselor via email studentcounselor@lsme.ac.uk immediately.

The College will ensure processes are in place for students to receive all necessary support in their learning journey and successfully complete their courses on time. The College currently operates strictly ‘No Visitors’ policy; however, students are encouraged to call 0208 594 8462 or email (admin@lsme.ac.uk) with their requests and regularly check the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for academic and administrative updates.

We wish students very best and advise to stay safe and follow the local guidance and updates from the government.

Prime Minister announces new national lockdown with immediate effect

Under the new lockdown announced by the Prime Minister yesterday (4 January 2021) evening, all teaching sessions have been moved to online, and no face-to-face sessions will be held on campus until further notice. Students will follow their regular academic schedule online. In addition to holding regular teaching sessions, lecturers and tutors will organise one-to-one support sessions on request of students. If students have difficulties accessing sessions or being affected by the new lockdown, please contact your lecturer or communicate to admin@lsme.ac.uk at the earliest. If you are experiencing any mental health or anxiety-related issues, please consult the student Counselor via studentcounselor@lsme.ac.uk immediately.

The College will ensure all operations are in place for students to receive all necessary support in their learning journey and successfully completing their courses timely. The College currently operates strictly ‘No visitors’ policy; however, students are encouraged to call 0208 594 8462 or email (info@lsme.ac.uk) with their requests and regularly check the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for academic and administrative updates.

We wish students very best and advise to stay safe and follow the local guidance on the new lockdown announced by the government.

New Covid-19 related restriction is in effect from 19 December 2020

London being placed under Tier-4, tighter restriction of Stay at Home advice has been issued by the Government, in which you cannot meet other people indoors unless you live with them or are part of your support bubble.

The general guidance for Tier 4 restrictions is, “if you live in a Tier 4 area, you must follow the rules below. This means that you cannot leave or be outside of the place you are living unless you have a reasonable excuse. You cannot meet other people indoors, including over the Christmas and New Year period, unless you live with them, or they are part of your support bubble. Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household. These rules will not be relaxed for Christmas for Tier 4 – you cannot form a Christmas bubble in Tier 4.”

You can get further details from the gov.uk Coronavirus Guidance and Support pages on local level tier restrictions.

Despite these restrictions, educational institutions have been advised to remain open and continue the provision as per their delivery plan in place prior to the new restrictions.

The College has communicated the requirement and arrangements for getting Asymptomatic Covid-19 Testing for all the students, who will be taking on-campus sessions after the Christmas break. The Staff has been advised the same as well.

LSME would continue with the blended/hybrid learning approach until further notice. There would be no change in the academic calendar and assessment schedule for students. We will, however, make necessary provisions for students in exceptional circumstances. Students who wish to discuss a change in their learning mode should contact their tutors or the College Administration as soon as possible. Furthermore, students who wish to discuss matters related to their wellbeing or Mental Health should get in touch with the Counselling Services via studentcounsellor@lsme.ac.uk.

At College, there is strict social distancing, hand hygiene and face-covering measures in place, in addition to Covid secure seating arrangements in the classrooms for students. There are regular checks on the application of restrictions by Students and Staff and premises sanitising arrangements in place.

This page reflects advice from the Government, Office for Students, World Health Organisation (WHO), Public Health England (PHE) and other public organisation. It will be updated regularly to provide the necessary information to keep Staff and students safe and reassured.

COVID-19 is the novel strain of coronavirus which was first identified in Wuhan City in China. The typical symptoms of COVID-19 include recent onset of new continuous cough or high temperature, fatigue and difficulty in breathing (breathlessness). A loss of or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia) have been reported in some cases. More severe symptoms may occur in people with weak immune systems such as the older people or those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. For further information about COVID-19, how it spreads and what you need to know, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

Currently, there is a rapid community transmission occurring across the UK and therefore, the Government advises no social gatherings indoors, strict social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene measures, while out for essential needs and exercise or in a work environment if you cannot work from home.

The current advice from Public Health England is for you to:
– Go into self-isolation and contact NHS helpline 111, if you have a fever and persistent cough with or without any travel history.
– Stay at home and follow the advice of NHS111 Online help if you’ve travelled to the UK or follow the new procedures advised to you at the airport. For further advice:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance

WHILE IN SELF-ISOLATION

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol or as recommended by health professionals, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.

You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw used tissue in a bin and wash your hands immediately as discussed above.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday High-touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.

Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital if you suspect that you have contracted the coronavirus. Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next and how you can get tested.

If you happen to test positive for COVID-19, follow the instructions provided by the NHS for your recovery plan. While in isolation, will be contacted by LSME to check on your health and general wellbeing.

The DfE has launched a COVID-19 Helpline for Staff and students as follows:
Phone: 08000468687
Email: coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
The helpline is open from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday and Saturday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.

You can also find the latest information on COVID-19 and guidelines for educational settings on the GOV.UK website.

WHAT LSME IS DOING

The College is operating in a blended/hybrid teaching-learning mode from the beginning of the Academic Year 2020-21. All sessions are conducted from the College with the option of students attending either on Campus or virtually, and all learning materials are available on the College Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Students are expected to get in touch with their Lecturers to make necessary adjustments to the learning options. All lessons are aligned with the curriculum timetable, and the assessment schedule has remained unchanged.

We are using similar online platform to conduct interviews for admissions and mitigate at exam boards.

Students in self-isolation or household isolation or quarantine for any of the above reasons should immediately inform the College via an email to studentsupport@lsme.ac.uk immediately with a copy to the respective Programme Leaders. This will enable us to exempt you from lectures and other college-related activities. The College Hotline 07591188303 can be used for any emergencies during the off-hours.

Staff and Students are advised to read online updates on COVID-19 and to modify their hygiene practices as discussed above.

As many of you may be affected by this pandemic in one way or another, LSME considers your welfare as a top priority. For this reason, we have updated our online mental health and wellbeing support information on the VLE. Should you require, additional support to enable you to maintain a good state of mental health and wellbeing, please email studentsupport@lsme.ac.uk.

Our plans will be reviewed and modified according to the LSME Covid-19 Outbreak Response Plan, should there be a number of reported cases of students or Staff being tested positive for Covid-19. Students and Staff will be informed, should we enter into a period of significant national disruption or an incidence of a localised outbreak or any reason for concern.