Since last Friday’s news that we have seen a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Halls, we have been working closely with Public Health England (PHE) and the local authority to monitor the situation.
PHE have identified a small number of cases in Halls of the ‘variant of concern’ (VOC 21-APR-02), now known as ‘Delta’ according to the new labelling from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
To help mitigate the risk of further transmission, we are working with PHE to set up targeted on-site testing with a Mobile Testing Unit for some residents of Park Group Redlands Group and Northcourt Group from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 June. All students invited to take a test have received a letter under their Halls room door with further information and advice.
This testing is consistent with the approach taken by PHE to cases of this variant identified recently in local Schools, as a precaution to find out if this variant has spread more widely amongst students as well as household contacts of the individuals.
Our contact tracing to date suggests that infection has been contained and PHE have also confirmed they are happy with the control measures we currently have in place.
PHE have emphasised that there is no evidence this variant causes more serious illness than other variants, but it does transmit more easily between people. That is why they are conducting further important research and have asked for our support with this targeted testing.
As restrictions are easing, it is more important than ever for us to continue to be vigilant. All students and staff on campus are strongly encouraged to continue with the twice weekly asymptomatic lateral flow testing, even if you have been vaccinated. If you test positive, please let us know straight away so that we can support you and your University close contacts. If you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, you must self-isolate and get a PCR test straight away
Feedback from PHE and the local authority has been very positive about the measures we have taken to ensure the safety of our community on campus, and we are further reassured by the steps being taken by PHE to enable targeted on-site testing.
Public health advice remains the same – remembering ‘Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air’ as we meet others outside will help protect against all COVID-19 variants.
As emphasised through our #NeverOK campaign, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for our whole community. There have been some concerning reports nationally about racist incidents connected to the origin of new variants. We will not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination for any reason so, if you have any concerns, please report these through #NeverOK.
Please continue to check your University email account, the Me@Reading student portal and the Home at Halls app for the latest information and advice. If you have any questions or need immediate help, please contact the Halls Hotline on 0800 029 1984 or the COVID-19 Support & Behaviour Team at covid-support@reading.ac.uk.