We have received the latest advice from West Berkshire, and attended their briefing this morning (29 October 2021). It is apparent that West Berkshire is effectively an ‘outbreak area’ and that we all need to take additional measures beyond the national requirements. Therefore, as we return from half term, we will continue with:

  • Use of face coverings for students and staff in communal areas and when moving around the College
  • Face coverings for visitors
  • Mixing between different groups should continue to be kept to a minimum
  • All staff and students should continue to undertake two weekly Lateral Flow (LFD) tests at home and report the results
  • Wherever possible, all rooms should be kept well ventilated by opening external windows and internal doors
  • The one-way system will continue to operate to reduce contact
  • Any student or member of staff who has a household member test positive for Covid-19 should be advised to take a daily lateral flow test for 7 days, in addition to taking a one-off PCR test and should continue with learning/working from home until they get the PCR result
  • Any student or member of staff who is identified as a close contact of a positive case via NHS Test and Trace will be advised to take a daily lateral flow test for 7 days, in addition to taking a one-off PCR test and should continue with learning/working from home until they get the PCR result

Many thanks for your continuing support.