As we now move into the colder winter months, we have been warned by health experts about possible increases in COVID-19, flu and other respiratory illnesses. 

Although Glasgow City currently has the lowest number of COVID-19 rate per capita out of any local authority in Scotland, there is evidence that numbers of cases are indeed beginning to rise nationally. It is therefore important for everyone in the University community to continue to follow the health and safety protocols, both when on our campuses and when outside of work. 

The most effective protection that we have against transmission of COVID-19 is accessing vaccination and booster jabs, if eligible. The University will once again be assisting in the delivery of the national vaccination programme by hosting a temporary drop-in vaccination centre in December on our Gilmorehill campus – we will share more information about the date and location of this facility when available. 

Scottish Government guidance also recommends that everyone should test twice a week, using lateral flow devices. You can arrange for lateral flow tests to be delivered to your home address via the NHS website, collect them from certain pharmacies or pick them up at locations on our campuses. 

As you will know from previous communications, we have implemented strict safety measures in our buildings, in line with all the guidance from Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland. 

We previously updated all colleagues on our on-campus safety protocols, including advice on face coverings, physical distancing, ventilation and CO2 monitoring and we will continue to maintain these measures on our campuses.  

In addition to the on-campus measures, we continue to work proactively to understand the rates of COVID-19 infections amongst our colleagues and students.  

The University monitors all reported positive test results on a daily basis, looking for any trends in cases and advising local areas accordingly. We have an agreed protocol with the local Public Health Protection Unit to liaise with them on any clusters of cases to minimise onward transmission.  

Numbers of positive tests reported on campus have remained low, which gives us confidence that the measures in place are effective. 

Thank you to all colleagues who have worked so hard to deliver a high quality, blended teaching experience this semester. We have been engaging with the Scottish Government over expectations for the new Semester, and we have shared our planning principles and FAQs on the Learning and Teaching Planning 2021-22 webpages. These have been amended slightly in the last few days and those affected have been advised directly. 

First published: 18 November 2021

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