UCL-UCU: As teaching goes online, further health & safety advice to slow Omicron spread

On Sunday evening the UK moved into a Tier 4 Covid alert level, and workers were told to work from home where possible. In Camden, 40% of positive PCR results are recorded as being of the Omicron variant.

We were about to write to advise colleagues to move their classes online, but this afternoon the Deans were told to write to departments to signal that as of tomorrow all classes should be online (with exceptions for necessary face-to-face teaching such as surgery).

Since Thursday last week we have been lobbying UCL management to take urgent steps to protect staff and students. We have a responsibility towards our own safety, to those we encounter, including relatives and students, and to the wider society. This is not just a matter for staff. Many of our students are also asking for online attendance.

There will be cases where staff have to come to campus - we strongly urge:

• All who need to attend campus to take a lateral flow test on each day of attendance.
• The use of properly fitted FFP2 masks - which provide greater protection - rather than a cloth face covering or surgical mask.

The Government has made no announcement about furlough or further lockdowns.

UCL UCU Executive Committee

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