1. What is Covid-19 and what are the symptoms?

The Covid-19 coronavirus is a new virus that has not been seen in humans before. Most people who have Covid-19 exhibit at least one of the following symptoms:

• A new, continuous cough
• A fever - a high temperature of 37.8°C or above
• Loss or change to smell or taste

2. Is the College open to students as usual?

All of our campuses are open as usual to students in line with government guidance.

We are continuing to encourage students to wear face coverings (unless exempt) in communal spaces to help ensure the College remains a safe place to learn and work.

In line with government guidance, we would ask that anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 self isolates for five days and only returns to campus following two negative lateral flow tests over two consecutive days.

We will continue to provide hand sanitiser stations, regular cleaning and ventilation. We will continue to have a Covid-19 risk assessment, which is regularly reviewed in line with government and public health guidance. We will enact a Covid-19 intervention plan should any outbreaks or incidents arise.

3. How do I protect myself and help stop the transmission of the virus? 

Please follow the latest guidelines. You can find the most up-to-date advice on the government website as well as the NHS website.

The key things to remember are:

• Get vaccinated
• Meet up outside or if you’re indoors open windows or doors if you have visitors
• If you think you might have Covid-19 symptoms, take a test and stay home
• Wear face coverings in crowded places to help protect others
• Check-in with the NHS Covid-19 app when you’re out
• Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds with soap
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

4. What should I do if I have suspected symptoms?

If you develop suspected symptoms, please get tested. If you test positive for Covid-19, please do not attend college.

In line with government guidance, we would ask that anyone who tests positive self isolates for five days and only returns to campus following two negative lateral flow tests over two consecutive days. Please also let the College know at the earliest opportunity. 

If you have a positive coronavirus test, please contact your tutor to let them know the result. When you are well, and no longer have symptoms, please let your tutor that you are returning to College to study.

Parents and carers of nursery children should inform the nursery of their child’s sickness and coronavirus test results and when their child is well, no longer has symptoms and is returning to nursery.

5. What do students for this academic year 2021/22 need to know?

We are continuing to encourage students, staff and visitors to wear face coverings in communal areas when on campus, unless they are exempt. The safety of our college community remains our number one priority. 

We will continue to provide hand sanitiser stations, regular cleaning and ventilation. In line with government guidance, we would ask that anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 isolates for five days and only returns to campus following two negative lateral flow tests over two consecutive days.

Our Covid-19 Student Charter also outlines our expectations of students whilst on campus to help to minimise transmission of the virus.

6. What are the main ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ in the Covid-19 Student Charter?

Please do:

• Follow our current guidelines on the use of face coverings
• Let us know if you are self-isolating or have tested positive
• Walk or cycle to college, if possible
• Use contactless payments, if you can
• Clear away your litter, put it in the bins, and wipe down surfaces
• Regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
• Seek help if you are struggling with your mental wellbeing

Please don’t:

• Attend college if you should be self-isolating
• Share equipment such as pens, pencils and calculators
• Touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, if possible

7. What happens if I have a confirmed positive Covid-19 test?

Please self-isolate immediately. If you test positive, your self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day you had the test, if you do not have symptoms). For details, please read the NHS guidance on self-isolation.

All students and their households should report any positive test results by calling 119 or through this online form. Students should also inform the College.

8. Where can I get more help?

Use the NHS 111 online service if symptoms become difficult to cope with, get worse or do not go after seven days.

The NHS 111 telephone service is available for people who are not online. Only call 111 if you cannot get help via the online service.

If you have difficulties with communicating or hearing, please call 18001 111 on a textphone or use the NHS 111 British Sign Language interpreter service.

In an emergency (a life-threatening) situation, dial 999.

9. I have a safeguarding concern - what should I do?

If you have a safeguarding concern, please email safeguarding@sheffcol.ac.uk immediately.

10. Where can I get more mental health information and support?

If you are struggling with your mental health, please contact staff or email safeguarding@sheffcol.ac.uk.

• Kooth
• Mind
• Samaritans
• Sheffield Mental Health Service
• Young Minds
• Uniheads

11. I am having problems accessing financial support - what should I do?

If you are eligible for financial support from the College and have any questions or concerns about accessing that, then please email financial-support@sheffcol.ac.uk.

Updated: 25th Feb 2022