Dacorum students given COVID-19 warning as the new term begins

University and colleges make changes to their campuses
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Hertfordshire's colleges and university are all playing their part to make sure students are as safe as possible as the new term begins, but students are being reminded to play their part too, to help keep their communities safe.

The University of Hertfordshire, the Royal Veterinary College, Oaklands College, West Herts College, North Hertfordshire College and Hertford Regional College have all made changes to their campuses, which are looking more than a little different this year with measures in place such as:

- extra signage to remind staff and students to wash their hands

Students are being reminded to play their part too, to help keep their communities safe (C) Hertfordshire County CouncilStudents are being reminded to play their part too, to help keep their communities safe (C) Hertfordshire County Council
Students are being reminded to play their part too, to help keep their communities safe (C) Hertfordshire County Council

- everybody wearing a face-covering in communal areas on campus

- encouraging social-distancing in all communal spaces through one-way systems and reduced seating to lower the number of people in close proximity

- reminding students of the government requirements as well as their responsibilities to themselves, their friends, classmates, other members of their institution and the wider community.

Cllr Tim Hutchings, cabinet member for public health and prevention at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We know it’s been a tough year for young people, and we understand how unsettling it has been for the students who are adjusting to the impact of COVID-19.

Universities and colleges have worked extremely hard over the summer to make their premises as COVID-safe as possible.

"But, as we know, it is everyone’s responsibility to follow the government guidelines to help prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 in the county.

"We all need to play our part to avoid a local lockdown.”

Coronavirus is still a very real and present threat in Hertfordshire, and some districts have seen an increase in cases.

If you know you have been in close contact with someone who is infected, self-isolate immediately and if you develop symptoms, visit www.gov.uk for guidance on booking a test.

Read: Coronavirus risk level in Hemel Hempstead remains 'medium'Quintin McKellar, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said: “We are pleased to be welcoming students back to the university this September.

"We have worked hard over the summer to put a wide range of measures in place to reduce the risks associated with COVID-19, informed by the latest government advice and working in collaboration with Hertfordshire Students’ Union, Hertfordshire County Council and the NHS.

“As a campus-based university, we are well placed to deliver a blend of small-group teaching alongside live, interactive online lectures.

"We have provided all staff and students with a reusable face-covering to wear on campus and in the local community and have adapted our teaching, learning and social spaces so that everyone can follow social-distancing guidance and keep safe.

"We are also supporting our NHS by hosting a COVID-19 mobile testing unit on our College Lane campus.

“Our Student Charter has been updated this year to include a new Campus Community pledge, which reminds our university community that they have an obligation to protect others.

“There will undoubtedly be more challenges ahead as the pandemic evolves, but the University of Hertfordshire remains dedicated to keeping our community safe while delivering an exceptional higher education experience for its students.”