Important update about COVID-19 and UCL safety guidance
1 December 2021
Find out about the latest UK Government guidance and new safety measures at UCL.
On Saturday 27 November the Prime Minister announced several new precautionary measures following the emergence of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the UK.
From Tuesday 29 November:
- All international arrivals to the UK must take a Day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. MyHealthChecked is a certified Government provider and offer discounted test kits for UCL staff and students. Please also read HR’s information for staff if you are planning to travel.
- Face coverings are compulsory in shops and on public transport.
- All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
Safety measures at UCL
UCL will continue to follow UK Government guidance and has reviewed the safety measures in place on campus with our own public health experts. This means that, starting immediately
- Face coverings are mandatory for all students and staff while you are indoors on campus, unless you are exempt. Find out how face coverings make a difference in UCL’s short film with Professor Ivan Parkin. For more information, please see the Department for Education’s guidance on face coverings in Higher Education settings.
- If you are symptom-free, you should get tested twice a week with a rapid Lateral Flow Test (LFT) and report your results to the NHS and UCL Connect to Protect.
- If you feel unwell for any reason, please do not come to campus. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should get a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test as soon as possible.
We intend for campus to remain open and for in-person teaching, research and support activity to continue.
This video shows a summary of the measures you can take to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Vaccinations and boosters
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others is to get your COVID-19 vaccine if you can. The NHS vaccination centre at UCL’s Bidborough House is offering walk-in appointments 9am–6pm daily, including boosters if you are eligible. Please check the NHS website for the current eligibility criteria.