Coronavirus 2020

What is coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a new illness that is caused by a virus called coronavirus and can affect your lungs and airways.

The most common symptoms include a dry cough, tiredness and fever, but some patients may also experience a runny nose, sore throat, aches and pains or difficulty breathing.

For the latest information on coronavirus and its symptoms, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

Our sole focus is to help our students and employees protect themselves and others, and to support them in every way we can at this difficult time.

Mears Student Life has been and will continue to monitor the situation and follow the advice given by health professionals, NHS and local authorities

We will continue to work closely with our university partners in our locations to ensure our response to the situation is fully aligned and coordinated and that our students receive the very best help.

What action should I be taking?

• Wash your hands regularly using soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into university.
• Try to avoid contact with anyone that may be ill.
• Use hand sanitiser gel if you don’t have access to soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands afterward.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Do not share items that come into contact with your mouth.
• Avoid public transport or social gatherings.

What should I do if I have to/choose to self-isolate?

NHS advice says that if you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough, you should self-isolate for 14 days. You do not need to contact 111 and should not visit a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy. If you are self-isolating, please follow the below advice in line with Public Health recommendations:

• Stay in your flat unless told otherwise by health authorities.
• If your symptoms get worse, you can’t cope with them at home, or they don’t get better in seven days, use the 111 online coronavirus service. If you can’t get help online, call 111 or, in an emergency, call 999.
• Do not go into work, university, lectures or public areas, and don’t use public transport or taxis until you’re told it’s safe to do so.
• If you have someone bringing supplies or have ordered shopping online, make sure the items are left at reception or outside of your room.
• Stay away from friends or flatmates.
• If you’ve been provided with a facemask, you should wear it when you may come into contact with other people.
• Make sure all of your rubbish is disposed of properly by tying it up in two plastic bin bags.
  We would also advise the following:
• Keep in regular contact with friends and family by phone.
• Avoid using common areas in your accommodation (apart from your shared kitchen, WC).
• In the event of a fire alarm, please evacuate the building as you would normally, but where possible, keep at least six feet away from other people.
• Please be aware that we’ll only carry out maintenance in your flat if it’s a safety risk to you or others.
  You should also continue to follow the advice given above under the subheading ‘What action should I be taking’.

What if I’ve recently got back from holiday?

No matter where you have been, if you develop a high temperature or a new, continuous cough, you should self-isolate for seven days and follow the advice we’ve explained above under the subheading, ‘what should I do if I think I have coronavirus and have to self-isolate?’

Can I end my tenancy early?

If you’re living with us and would like to end your tenancy early, our standard cancellation policy applies.

Can I cancel my future booking?

If you wish to cancel outside of the 10-day cooling off period, our standard cancellation policy applies. For more information please visit our flexible options page.

Where can I find more information?

For more information about coronavirus, its symptoms, how to avoid catching it and what to do if you do have it, please visit NHS website

https://www.unipol.org.uk/news/information-and-advice-on-coronavirus-for-unipol-t

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