... Meanwhile, life and energy is starting to return to the campus
STUDENTS ON PRACTICAL COURSES ARE AMONG FIRST TO GO BACK IN PHASED LOCKDOWN EASING
SOME face-to-face classes have resumed this week at Loughborough University as the coronavirus lockdown restrictions begin to ease.
Students studying programmes requiring practical or specialist facilities such as laboratories, studios and workshops returned on Monday, although lectures for these students will remain online until Easter.
Lectures and other classroombased teaching for all other degree programmes will also continue to be delivered online until after Easter.
Individual students may return to campus under certain circumstances, including if they do not have adequate space or facilities at home to study or if they are part of an elite sport performance pathway.
Students are required to book a lateral flow Covid test at home if possible, or on arrival in Loughborough, and before they access any part of the campus.
Once on campus, all students will be required to take a free test at least once a week to minimise the risks of transmission in the student and wider community.
University bosses have said they will ensure compliance with this strict testing regime.
Restrictions on non-academic activities are for the most part staying the same.
Richard Taylor, chief operating officer at the university, said: “A significant proportion of our courses have practical elements to them so there will be more life and energy on our campuses very soon.
“The health and wellbeing of our students, staff and the wider community is at the heart of our plans to resume our activities.”
Relevant external partners are being consulted on the university’s plans, so that the return is phased and compliant with the Government’s four-step roadmap out of lockdown.
Councillor Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The university and college are working extremely hard to make sure the return of more students is carried out in line with the guidance which is there to protect everyone, including residents in the Loughborough community.
“The council will continue to work with the university, college and other partners as restrictions lift.”
Jo Maher, principal at Loughborough College, said: “Across Charnwood, the education community is working collaboratively to ensure the safest possible return to learning.
“As at the university, the college has introduced a comprehensive testing regime and we have consistently aimed to exceed the government’s safety guidance, including a campus-wide face covering policy.”