Uni bids to ease anxiety of isolation
THE University of Nottingham says it is working hard to ease the anxiety of students forced to isolate in oncampus halls due to the Covid outbreak.
Students at both of Nottingham’s universities are having to self-isolate following a rise in coronavirus cases in student hotspots such as the University Park and Lenton Abbey area.
Some University of Nottingham students living in Derby Hall - a catered accommodation block of about 330 students on the University Park campus - were reported by the BBC as saying they were struggling to deal with their conditions in isolation.
A spokesperson for The University of Nottingham said: “We are currently supporting a number of students and their households who are self-isolating in accordance with public health guidelines.
“We understand that isolating is not easy for anyone, especially for those who feel perfectly well.
“We also recognise that for students who may be away from home for the first time, this is a very anxious time for them and we would like to thank them for their cooperation in following the rules and doing
MEASURES TAKEN TO SUPPORT STUDENTS STRUGGLING TO COPE IN CONFINEMENT
the right thing in helping to contain the virus and protect our community.
“We have listened to feedback from our students who are in isolation and have been working closely with public health partners to put into place additional measures which balance their comfort, physical and mental wellbeing, alongside restrictions needed to keep us all safe.
“The measures include enabling members of households who are not symptomatic or had a positive test result to isolate together - meaning they will be able to socialise within their household, as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines.
“We have arranged staggered meal-times so households can eat together and at mealtimes we are introducing a mobile shop.
“Dedicated outdoor space has been identified where students will be able to get out for fresh air and exercise under social distancing guidelines and support is being put into place with laundry, postal and other essential services. The vicechancellor and the University’s management team have been visiting halls to speak with students and find out what more we can do to support them.”