Lancaster Uni announces masks will be expected for in-person teaching

When students return to campus in October, masks will likely need to be worn for in-person teaching.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steve Bradley, sent out an email to Lancaster University students outlining the new updates for returning to campus.

Some subjects may keep elements of online learning as teachers have felt it has been beneficial.

Information regarding students flying into the country has been released for whether you are travelling from a red, amber or green list country with support packages available.

Due to the high vaccination rate and ease of getting tested, the university welcomes back in-person teaching. However, the email said: “It is likely that we will continue to require mask wearing for in-person teaching and research activities such as lectures, seminars and use of shared labs and offices to ensure maximum safety for everyone.

“We will also retain some elements of online learning which our academic staff, in consultation with current students, feel added value to our teaching. Your academic department will be able to provide you with more information about specific forms of learning for your course.”

For students travelling into the country, the email said: “For those arriving from a ‘red’ list country, the new support includes reimbursement of the full cost of your stay in a managed quarantine hotel until 31st October 2021 (up to £1,750 maximum cost).   

“For those arriving from an ‘amber’ list country, if you are staying on campus and arrive before 31st October 2021, we will reimburse your rent for the self-isolation period of up to two weeks.  

“For those arriving from a ‘green’ or ‘amber’ list country, we will refund the cost of one PCR travel test.”

The email ended by saying that the university’s plans are conditional on the government’s policies. The email said: “We work closely with Public Health England to ensure that our safety measures meet or exceed the latest UK government guidelines. Our priority is to keep students and staff safe while maintaining the high-quality learning experience for which Lancaster is known.”

More information can be found here.

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