COVID-19 vulnerable residents

In anticipation of the easing of restrictions on 19 July, the government has published revised guidance for those who are clinically vulnerable.

You can find all our COVID-19 content at campuslife.london.ac.uk/tags/COVID-19.

There is a quick summary at campuslife.london.ac.uk/covid19-guidance-start-here_122007 .

We also recommend that you stay up to date with guidance from the UK government and the NHS.

See the NHS guidance for people at higher risk from coronavirus.

Tell us

If you are someone with a recognised high-risk factor for developing more serious coronavirus disease, please tell your Warden and Hall Manager. We will work individually with you to put in place measures that will help make your halls experience safer.

Consider wearing a badge

Contact your Hall Warden if you would like a pin badge that you can wear to alert others that you are someone who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19. We hope that this will cause people around you to be especially mindful of observing all the usual coronavrius precautions.

Wear a face covering

Because you are a person at higher risk, we recommend that you wear a face covering whenever you are inside a building with other people. The UK government guidance about face coverings is HERE. The Mayor of London's face covering guidance is also helpful.

Keep a safe distance

Because you are a person at higher risk, we recommend that you keep a safe distance of 2 metres from people who are not in your household or support bubble.

Clean your hands more often

Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitiser:

• When you enter the building
• After using the bathroom
• Before eating or preparing food
• Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth

Wipe shared surfaces and equipment

Wipe down surfaces and other items in shared areas before and after you use them (e.g. in common rooms, pantries, shared bathrooms). This includes items such as vacuum cleaners, table tennis bats, pool cues, and video game equipment.

Catch coughs and sneezes

Think ahead: get some bug buddies

Talk to other residents and try to identify one or two “bug buddies” in your hall who can support you if you need to self-isolate or quarantine later. This could be a reciprocal arrangement, and would typically involve collecting meals (in catered accommodation), going out for any urgent shopping (e.g. medicines), and bringing up post, parcels, and restaurant deliveries to your room.

Extra help from the NHS

If you're at a higher risk from coronavirus, you can get help from an NHS volunteer with things like getting food, medicines and other things you need.

Call 0808 196 3646 (open 8am to 8pm) to get help from NHS Volunteer Responders.

Take care of your mental health and wellbeing

Living through a pandemic is stressful. At different times, you might feel anxious, worried, overwhelmed, sad, guilty, or depressed: all these feelings are understandable and it's ok to have them (it's also ok not to feel any of those things - we all react differently).

Talk with a member of our team if you are struggling with difficult feelings and emotions, and see our resources at campuslife.london.ac.uk/tag/Mental+Health.

Our Wardens and Resident Advisors are all trained in having safe and supportive conversations about mental health and wellbeing.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19

If you become unwell with symptoms of possible COVID-19, please stay in your room and follow the self-isolation instructions (there are slightly different instructions for Eleanor Rosa House and Handel Mansions). The instructions include details of how you will obtain food, and the circumstances in which you would be allowed to leave your room.

Because you are a person at higher risk, we recommend that you seek medical advice as soon as possible. You can go online to 111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ or call NHS 111. If you are seriously unwell, then call 999 for an ambulance. Emergency care is free on the NHS, for everyone, always.

It is essential that you notify us that you are self-isolating.

You should arrange to have a test for coronavirus as soon as possible.