Hello and welcome to this week’s blog. With Coronavirus still a hot topic amongst our community, this week we are giving you some important advice around cleaning and letting you know about the support you can make use of – particularly if you are self-isolating.
Keeping touch-points clean
It’s really important to focus on cleaning touch-points where you live to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Touch-points are common surfaces which many people touch throughout the day, for example door handles, taps, or handles and controls on appliances like kettles.
Please pay particular attention to the:
- Kettle handle
- Fridge / freezer door
- Microwave handle
- Cooker door handles
- Kitchen worksurfaces
- Sink taps
Keep some anti-bacterial spray, kitchen towel and anti-bacterial wipes close to hand so that it reminds you to wipe down after every use.
Please dispose of the wipes in your normal waste bin*; all waste goes into our ‘waste to energy’ waste stream and not to landfill (*remember to double-bag your rubbish if you are self-isolating).
Face coverings
Please remember to wear face coverings or masks when moving around your residence. It might only be a short walk from your room to outside, but the corridors are not wide enough to safely socially distance. So please be considerate of your fellow residents and just pop on your mask.
Support for you
The University as put in place lots of support for students, including additional support for those who need to self-isolate. We thought it would be worth mentioning these so that you can take advantage of them if you need to.
- Students who are self-isolating – the University has a dedicated webpage with information on what you should do if you have symptoms of Coronavirus or have been notified that you are required to self-isolate due to close contact. There are a range of FAQs on this page, along with links to an online programme of social, sports and activities to help you keep connected. There is even a University Facebook group especially for self-isolators which you can join!
- Do you have any questions or concerns about self-isolating while you are living in our residences? There is now a dedicated team on hand for you to speak to, 7 days a week. The Accommodation Support Call Centre is open daily 9:00am – 6:00pm on 0300 303 4847 – select option 3.
- Residence Life have been able to start physical drop-in sessions with their Co-ordinators, and emails with all the relevant details were sent out to all residents on Monday. Alternatively, you can arrange a Zoom call or use their instant chat function (available 6:00pm to 9:00pm Monday to Friday). The team are able to support with any practical aspects of living in our residences – from homesickness, to living with others, flat disputes and welfare concerns. Take a look at their webpage to learn more.
- We noticed that the Student Guild have a Get Connected campaign, with a variety of online events and ideas to keep you positive and communicating with others during these difficult times. They are also running a Pen Pals scheme which is a great way of being put in touch with other Exeter students. From music and dance to pub quizzes, crafts and support groups – it looks like there is something for everyone.
We hope you have enjoyed reading today’s blog and that we will see you again next week.
Accommodation Meridith