Covid-19

We have learned much since early 2020 and the emergence of a new coronavirus, Covid-19, and the global pandemic, from which we are now emerging. Those lessons and experiences will hold us in good stead for the future, especially when managing other public health threats.

Even though Covid-19 legislation has now been repealed, the University retains its duty to manage and mitigate risks in the workplace.

Specific requirements do still apply for those working in Health and Social Care settings and if working with vulnerable people and this may require a specific Risk Assessment to evaluate whether additional controls are required. 

Everyone at the university is asked to be mindful of their possible impact on other people and not to come on campus or mix with others if they suspect they have Covid-19 or any other communicable disease.

 

Covid-19 Risk Assessments and Protocols

 

Covid-19 & Other Respiratory Infections

Staff, students and others should stay away from the Campus if they show symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and do not feel well enough to go to work/study. You should avoid contact with other people for at least 5 days after the day you had the COVID-19 test, or the day your symptoms started (whichever was earlier).

The Welsh Government have produced guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, have tested positive or are a close contact of someone positive for COVID-19.

Staff should continue to follow the sickness absence procedures.

Students who are absent must follow the Academic Engagement Policy.

General Advice

To look after yourself and others and prevent the spread of infection, always cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing.  If possible, follow the ‘bag it and bin it’ approach by using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth with this placed in a waste bin straight after, and if you don’t have a tissue, your inner elbow (upper sleeve) is an accepted alternative.  In addition, use hand sanitiser or wash your hands in warm water and soap regularly.  Good hand hygiene is widely recognised as one of the most important ways of controlling the spread of infections. 

It is also still acceptable to wear a face covering if you wish.

Vaccines

We encourage everyone to take advantage of the free Covid-19 vaccination programme, to help protect our university and wider communities. Visit the Welsh Government website for information.

Ventilation

  • When indoors increase ventilation and let fresh air in. Opening windows and doors can help to decrease the number of infectious particles in the air and help to reduce the spread of them.

  • Campus Services has assessed mechanical ventilation systems and adjusted where needed to provide as much fresh air as possible.

  • Air Purification Filter (HEPA) units have been placed in appropriate lecture and study spaces, to help clean the air of viral particles.

  • Windows should be opened wherever possible to improve the quality of the air and to reduce the risk of airborne virus transmission. Rooms should be vented for a period in between cohort changes, to replace and freshen the air.

  • Co2 monitors are placed in most teaching spaces. Please use these as an indication of when to open more windows.

  • Report any issues with filter units or windows to campusservices@bangor.ac.uk / ext: 2783.

  • During teaching, meetings and if in multiple occupancy offices good air flow is essential: 

      • HEPA Filtration Units: Check the unit is switched on.  If not available and there is time, request a unit via Campus Services - make sure the Unit is on throughout the meeting.

      • Windows: Remember to open windows (report issues via Campus Services).

Overseas Travel

  • Currently there are no Covid-19 related University overseas travel restrictions other than those implemented through:

  • Staff and students must prepare for and constantly monitor local Covid travel requirements, which could change quickly in response to Covid rates or new variants.  Further information is available on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website.

  • Staff and students must complete the University’s on-line Travel Insurance Form. 

  • If the destination country requires pre-travel PCR Tests, then these would be procured via the relevant School/Service.

NOTE: any booking and commitments are made in the knowledge that financial implications due to cancellation or schedule change because of Covid-19 are not always insurable.