As of midnight today (16 October 2020), London moves to Local COVID alert level: High. This will be followed by Elmbridge in Surrey and Essex on Saturday, and there are likely to be others. While Royal Holloway is situated in Runnymede, Surrey, which remains in Local COVID alert level: Medium, many of our community live in London and commute to campus, or study at Bedford Square and Senate House.
This update outlines some of the differences between the alert levels that are now in place for London and Runnymede, and provides links to the Government’s information. Please read this information carefully so that you can adhere to the requirements for where you live.
If your term-time home area is Local COVID alert level: High
The main difference between Medium and High, is that you must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless you live with them or have formed a support bubble with them. Different households can access the same services indoors, such as libraries or restaurants, but must not mix.
Commuter students and staff can continue to travel to and from College as required. The restrictions on groups meeting apply to social settings, not educational activity. If you live on campus, you must not move backward and forward between your permanent home and term time address during term time – subject to limited exemptions. If your term time address is in a high alert level area (which London is currently), you should follow the same guidance on meeting other people and travel as others in that area. When you come to campus you need to follow the designation rules of where you live. So, if you live in London (high) and commute to campus (medium) you need to follow the rules for London’s designation, not Egham’s.
For Egham campus in Local COVID alert level: Medium
Students and staff can meet in groups of more than six as part of formal education or training. Any other meetings must adhere to the Rule of Six. You should socially distance from anyone you do not live with wherever possible. The College will continue to prohibit visitors to halls of residences and you must not mix with other households, even in the same building.
The changes outlined largely apply to social interaction. This means that the College can continue to offer, and you can continue to attend face-to-face and online learning (Tier one, blended learning). If you live locally, you can continue to travel to study and work on campus. You should however, follow the announcements of your local borough Council. While Runnymede has been designated ‘medium’, other boroughs may have a different designation. When on campus, you should follow the designation of where you live during term-time.
As we collectively seek to slow the spread of the virus, please continue to play your part:
- Hands – wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser
- Face coverings must be worn indoors, with some limited exceptions
- Space – maintain social distancing by staying two metres apart wherever possible