JANUARY exams will go ahead as normal at Exeter University despite the rise in covid cases, though most students will take online assessments.
In a new year email to students, university registrar and secretary Mike Shore-Nye says some exams are scheduled to take place on campus.
He has reminded those sitting them to take lateral flow tests beforehand and to wear masks unless exempt.
Students are also being told to take a test before returning from their Christmas breaks.
Mr Shore-Nye said: “It is important that we do what we can to avoid bringing infection with us when we travel back to the South West and the university.”
Those who can’t access tests because of shortages in parts of the country “must take a test immediately” on arrival back in Exeter and minimise interaction with others until a negative result has been recorded.
Some of the advice may have been superceded by the government’s recent announcement that the testing regime is changing for people travelling back to the UK.
People will no longer have to isolate whilst they wait for a negative test result.
In his message to students, Mr Shore-Nye said: “We have been monitoring the covid situation closely over the break and whilst there have been some changes in the government guidance for universities these do not impact our policies on the need to wear face coverings and to engage in regular testing.
“However, we know that the UK is currently experiencing its highest covid case numbers since the pandemic began, due to the emergence of the Omicron variant.
“Whilst hospitalisations have not risen as quickly, they are still high.
“We must all continue to do whatever we can to follow the current guidance, to protect those around us and to ensure we can have a safe return to the university for the start of our second term.”
He also warned: “Due to the high case numbers in the UK over the Christmas and New Year period, we may experience a higher number of staff absences than normal for the start of term, due to colleagues self-isolating.
“I know that you will all show respect and compassion for university staff if some services are impacted, and we will keep you up to date if any key services are badly affected.”
The university says it is working to reopen the assisted testing sites at its Streatham and St Luke’s campuses in Exeter and these will be available throughout January.
The latest higher education covid guidance from government is that everyone (unless exempt) should wear face coverings in teaching settings, for example in workshops, laboratories, offices, libraries, teaching rooms and exam and lecture halls.
Ollie Heptinstall
LDRS