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COVID-19 information for students

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our priority has been ensuring the safety and health of all members of the College community, as well as the wider Oxford community of which we are part. The information below outlines how you can help keep our community safe and well, and provides links to further resources that you may find helpful when living in College this term.

The latest student-related guidance from the University can be found on the New and Returning Students area of their Coronavirus response website.

Updated: October 2022

General Guidance for Living in College

The University has issued guidance for students living in Oxford, and encourages students to:

  • Consider getting vaccinated as soon as possible if you have not already done so. You can find NHS vaccine information here and Oxford University information here. At the beginning of term there will also be some pop-up vaccination centres open in Oxford.
  • If already vaccinated, consider getting a booster.
  • Wear a face mask if you are ill (with Coronavirus or other infectious diseases).
  • Wear a face mask when visiting the IT department and other small offices.
  • Test if symptomatic. The College has a limited number of LFD test kits available at the Lodge for symptomatic residents.
  • You can self-isolate if you are unwell, although this is not required. If you have symptoms or get a positive LFD result, you can self-isolate and report your test result to accommodation@oriel.ox.ac.uk. This helps the College know who is self-isolating so that staff can avoid those areas.
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap or sanitiser.
  • Be considerate of other people’s space. We ask that all students and staff be aware of space in enclosed and crowded spaces where they may come into contact with people they don’t usually meet.
  • Ventilate. Wherever possible, open windows and doors to ensure adequate ventilation.

Are You Showing Symptoms?

Do you think you might have symptoms of COVID-19? Symptoms are:

  • A high temperature
  • A new, continuous cough
  • A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

If you think you might have symptoms, consider taking a test and wearing a face mask in public spaces and around others.

COVID-19 Symptomatic Testing

The University’s in-house COVID-19 testing service is now closed

If you take a COVID test via the NHS, please make sure you inform the College if you receive a positive result (contactable at accomodation@oriel.ox.ac.uk) who can advise you on the protocols for self-isolation and close contacts.

Welfare Information

For College welfare provisions, please refer to the Health and Welfare pages. The University has additional resources in place to support students with their physical and mental health. This includes a series of welfare blogs and podcasts, as well as additional online counselling provision and support for those with disabilities. Please refer to the University Welfare and Wellbeing pages.

We understand that this is a stressful and difficult time for students, and our Welfare Team are here to support you with any welfare needs. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them if you need some extra support, or even just a listening ear.

College Nurse

Up-to-date information about Nurse’s Hours and how to book an appointment can be found here (SSO).

Facilities in College

All facilities are now open as normal. We ask that when students make use of College facilities, and especially when gathering in groups, that you open windows to improve ventilation. Front of House may wear a facemask while serving at Formal Hall.

Hall and Meals

The Hall is now back in use following the completion of the recent renovation work. Please see the ‘Food‘ page for more information about meals and how to book. As the situation evolves, the College may bring in restrictions to College services in an attempt to ensure the safety of staff and students. Please be patient with any changes implemented, as they will be put into place in order to ensure that the College can stay open and continue to operate safely.

COVID-19 Risk Assessment and Policies

Oriel College COVID-19 Risk Assessment – Updated 8th April 2022

The College is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe place to work, study and live at all times, and particularly so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The College has undertaken a comprehensive Risk Assessment which identifies who within our community is at risk and what control measures are being introduced in order to mitigate the risk of contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus. The Risk Assessment also identifies who is responsible for implementing and maintaining the control measures. Everyone within our community and those that visit the College all have a part to play in ensuring their own safety and that of others; Students, Academic Staff, Administrative & Support Staff, Contractors and Visitors.

Please read the Risk Assessment via the link below to better understand your responsibilities as they relate to the control measures that we are implementing and which will need to be maintained in order to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Domestic Bursar on: timothy.verdon@oriel.ox.ac.uk

Oriel College COVID-19 Risk Assessment – Updated 8th April 2022

Something Missing?

If there is information that you think is missing from this page, or links that you think should be added, please contact the Communications Office on: communications@oriel.ox.ac.uk.

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