Student Update: Return to campus, updated Covid-19 restrictions, and testing during Ramadan

Please be aware that this information was shared with students by email and correct at the time of sending. For the latest Covid-19 guidance, please visit our coronavirus webpages: www.wlv.ac.uk/coronavirus. If you are a student who has a query or needs support, please log a helpcall with ASK@WLV in e:Vision (www.wlv.ac.uk/evision).

Thank you for everything you are doing to ensure that our University and wider community stay as safe as possible. 

This communication includes important information about updated Covid-19 guidance from the Government, campus safety and testing. I would encourage you to read the update carefully and visit our dedicated Covid-19 webpages, which we keep updated with the latest guidance and information.   

This update covers:  

• Courses that have not yet been permitted to return to in person teaching on campus 
• Government roadmap – changes from Monday, 12 April.  
• Covid-19 testing during Ramadan  
• Reopening of Walsall Campus sport facilities 
• Reopening of the SU Lounge at Walsall Campus.  
• Student support and wellbeing 

Everyone must continue to play their part in keeping our University community safe; this means following Government guidelines, social distancing and wearing a face covering when necessary, and taking part in regular testing. 

Courses that have not yet been permitted to return to in person teaching on campus 

Covid-19 Government roadmap – changes from Monday, 12 April 

In February, the Government set out a roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions in England. We must all continue to be vigilant in following Covid-19 restrictions, get tested when necessary and comply with the Covid safety measures that remain in place (hands, face, space and fresh air). If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a more familiar future.  

From Monday, 12 April: 

• Non-essential retail and personal care premises such as hairdressers are now permitted to reopen.  
• Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms can reopen for use individually or in household groups. More information about the reopening of our Walsall Campus indoor sports facilities can be found below.  
• Hospitality venues can reopen, offering an outdoor table service only.  

Please be aware that the Rule of 6 remains in place. Only outdoor gatherings (including private gardens) of either six people or two households are allowed.  

Covid-19 testing and Ramadan 

The Government is stating that students are expected to have two lateral flow tests before returning to campus. They also say you should have two tests a week while attending in person teaching or living in accommodation.  

During Ramadan, you may be unsure if it is okay to have a Covid-19 test. The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) has confirmed that taking a test will not invalidate your fast during Ramadan. More information can be found in their official statement.  

Visit the Testing webpage

Staying safe in accommodation   

In line with the current restrictions, students should not bring other students, friends or family into their accommodation. Parties and overnight guests in accommodation are also strictly not permitted.    

In student accommodation, your 'household' is the people with whom you share a corridor and communal kitchen area. You must not hold house parties or visit other households – even if you're living in the same accommodation block.     

The Government has introduced a new £800 fine for those attending house parties, including in halls of residence and student accommodation, which will double for each repeat offence to a maximum level of £6,400.    

Outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either six people (the Rule of 6) or two households are now allowed, making it easier for friends and families to meet outside.    

Failure to comply with these measures may result in you being excluded from the campus.  

Safety on campus 

The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic means that working and studying on campus is very different. There are specific actions crucial for everyone to adopt to keep our campuses Covid-secure and as safe as possible. This includes wearing a face covering and social distancing at all times.  

Visit the Safety on Campus webpage

Covid-19 reporting procedures 

If you experience coronavirus symptoms or test positive, you must self isolate and not come onto campus for learning activities or any other reason. Please email covid-19help@wlv.ac.uk and follow our Covid-19 reporting procedure.  

Visit the Covid-19 reporting webpage

Reopening of Walsall Campus sport facilities 

In line with the gradual easing of restrictions as part of the Government roadmap, we are pleased to announce that indoor gym facilities at Walsall Campus have now reopened. Opening hours will be Monday to Friday, 7 am to 10 pm, and 8 am to 6 pm on weekends. Please be aware that the swimming pool will not be reopening. 

Bookings for gym sessions and exercise classes can be made on our brand new WLV Sport app, available to download from the App Store or Google Play. Once downloaded, current members should click “my bookings” then “login”. Enter the email address you provided when you joined and click “forgot password”. You will then receive an email with further instructions. New members can click “join now” to get started. Alternatively, members and non-members can also make a booking by calling 01902 518900 within our opening times. Members can make bookings up to 8 days in advance, and non-members can make bookings up to 7 days in advance.     

In line with government guidance, exercise classes will take place outdoors (weather permitting), and a list of these classes can be found on the WLV Sport app.  

The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and local community customers remain our highest priority, and work has been carried out to ensure that the gym and sports facilities meet all relevant guidance to ensure your safety. Given the small size of the City Campus gym, it is not possible at present to implement social distancing measures that meet safety requirements. An update will be issued to students and customers of the gym should this change.   

Throughout April, WLV Sport is continuing to roll out challenges as part of their #BucsActive4 project. You can find out more about how to get involved with the latest two challenges here: WLV Sport Challenge: April 2021    

You can contact WLV Sport by email: gym@wlv.ac.uk and keep up to date with activities via their social media channels, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Reopening of the SU Lounge at Walsall Campus 

We are delighted to be able to reopen the Students' Union Lounge at Walsall Campus for takeaway hot and cold food and drinks. 

The takeaway service will be operating Monday to Friday from 12 midday to 9 pm. Orders can be placed in person and over the phone ahead of collection. To place your order, please call 01902 322037. 

Please note that on campus safety guidelines must be followed at all times in the SU Lounge; this includes social distancing and the wearing of face coverings.   

For more information about catering facilities open on our campuses, please visit the Life on Campus FAQs in our Road to Reopening.  

Student support and wellbeing  

Studying during the pandemic can challenge you in unexpected ways, especially when you're balancing your studies with work and home commitments. If you feel stressed or anxious, you can find the support you need at the University.   

Your Faculty Student Services should be the first point of call to access support and advice, and the easiest way to contact them is by the e:Vision Helpdesk.  

All of our students can access online mental health and wellbeing support 24/7 through Togetherall – an online community monitored by trained clinicians. In addition to this, our own dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing Service can signpost you to additional support services. If you feel that you need advice or extra support, please check our self help resources webpage or complete the mental health and wellbeing support registration form.    

Find out more about the student support services available to you here:  www.wlv.ac.uk/support. 

Stay up to date with the latest information  

Please keep checking your University WLV emails and reading these updates. We are committed to keeping students up to date. We do this by email, on our social media channels (Instagram,  Twitter and Facebook) and the University student news web page.   

Visit our dedicated Covid-19 webpages for information on how you can stay safe and help protect our University community during the pandemic.    

Thank you, and stay safe.  

Professor Julia Clarke   

Deputy Vice-Chancellor