In line with government expectations, the University of Buckingham will continue operating. However, there may be some differences from previous years, reflecting the measures that we are putting in place to ensure that we are minimising the risks to students and staff, in accordance with public health guidelines.
We will continue to offer an engaging online university experience for those students who cannot study with us in person due to the current government restrictions.
Current restrictions in England
The University of Buckingham expects students and staff to be aware of the coronavirus restrictions in their own area at all times.
The Prime Minister has announced a national lockdown and instructed people to stay at home to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
Find out what you can and cannot do here: National lockdown – Stay at Home
Further guidance on how to protect yourself and others can be found at Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Please note this national guidance applies to England only. There is different guidance in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Remember, ‘Hands. Face. Space’
- Hands: wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
- Face: wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet
- Space: stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings)
In all circumstances, you should follow the guidance on meeting others safely.
The above guidance is for people who are fit and well. There is additional advice for:
- households with a possible or confirmed coronavirus infection
- people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus
Testing
If you are staying on campus in Buckingham or Crewe, you will have the opportunity to take a free Lateral Flow Test (LFT).
Lateral Flow Tests are only for people who are fit and well. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay at home and arrange a different type of test to see if you have coronavirus.
Please note that an LFT is not a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. The results are therefore do not meet international travel rules like the Test to Release scheme in the UK or the entry requirements of some other countries.
You could be fined if you do not stay at home and self-isolate following a positive test result for COVID-19 or if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and instructed to self-isolate.
International restrictions
The UK borders remain open. Brexit does not affect this.
Students staying in other countries around the world should check the official advice for their own country on a frequent basis.
Before making any arrangements to travel please ensure you have visited the government website for the latest details on entering the UK. You may be required to self-isolate for at least 10 days when you arrive. If this is the case, you will be required to stay within your residence except in very limited situations.
All travellers to the UK should read the Test to Release for international travel guidance. If you need a PCR test, the government has published a list of private providers.
External Resources
Boris Johnson announces new England lockdown
National lockdown – Stay at Home
Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance from the government
Stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Meeting with others safely (social distancing)
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own
Advice from Thames Valley Police
Advice from Cheshire Constabulary
Overview of Coronavirus (Covid-19) from the NHS
Download the NHS COVID-19 app today
How to use QR codes to check into a venue
Full Fact fights bad information
World Health Organisation – myth busters
COVID-19: rapid tests for use in community pharmacies or at home