Oct 14 2020
As of Tuesday 13 October, there are 23 students and no members of staff who are currently self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus (Covid-19). We wish everyone a speedy recovery. These details will be shared on our website and the student and staff intranets each Wednesday along with details of how we are supporting our community. 

How are we supporting our community

We have been in touch with each individual who is self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) and advised them that they must self-isolate for 10 days and that members of their household should self-isolate for 14 days. This is in accordance with government guidelines.

We are also ensuring that students who have tested positive or are self-isolating, and who are living on or off campus, have sufficient food and other groceries, can attend their classes online and have access to learning support materials. We are keeping in contact with them and providing other support on a case by case basis as appropriate. Members of staff who are self-isolating can access support from NHS Volunteer Responders who can help by collecting shopping and prescriptions and by providing regular contact by phone.

We are working with the individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19 to seek to identify any students or staff they may have come into close contact with, providing them the potential contacts with advice and asking them to respond to NHS Test and Trace. We are also encouraging everyone at Royal Holloway to download the NHS-Covid contact tracing app.

Our Health and Safety team are in regular contact with Public Health England and the Surrey Health Protection Team. As a result of these discussions, a temporary Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) has been established on campus for people with symptoms of Covid-19.  Appointments must be booked via the government’s central testing system.  A Local Testing Centre is expected to replace the temporary MTU by the middle of October, and should be on site for up to six months.

Douglas Searle, Director of Health and Safety, Royal Holloway, University of London, said: “The health, safety and well-being of students, staff and our wider community is a priority at Royal Holloway and we understand that people may be concerned. NHS Test and Trace or the university will be in touch with anyone we believe may have been in close contact with the individuals who are self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus.  We have prepared for cases of coronavirus within our community and are monitoring the situation on campus and in the area.. We continue to urge the whole community to follow the rules and guidance in relation to social distancing and hygiene measures and encourage anyone with symptoms to request a test.”