COVID-19
Important Updates, Information and Guidance

Update: 2nd September 2021
COVID-19 Arrangements for the Start of Term

We look forward to welcoming our students back to College for the new academic year.

As always, our number one priority continues to be the health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, and visitors.

In line with the national lifting of restrictions and the latest Government guidance, we have reviewed our risk assessments to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to reduce the risks from COVID-19. We receive regular updates and advice from the Department for Education (DfE) and will continue to follow the advice they provide.

The information below provides an overview of the arrangements that will be in place from September. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your course tutor directly.

Face Coverings

We are strongly encouraging all students and staff to continue to wear a face covering in corridors and communal areas, where they are more likely to be in contact with others. Although face coverings are not required in classrooms, you may continue to wear one if you wish to.

Please be considerate and respect others’ personal choices and space.

Asymptomatic Covid Testing

The College will provide all students with the opportunity to complete two lateral flow tests, 3 to 5 days apart, from Monday 6th September to Friday 17th September.

Test centres will be available at the following locations:

• STEM Centre Campus - Library
• St Helens Town Centre Campus - Library
• Knowsley Main Campus - Sports Hall
• IAMTech Campus - Room FF013 in the Library (Learning Resource Centre)

Following this period, home testing kits will be issued to students to enable them to continue to test at home, twice per week. 16-18-year-olds will be issued with kits in tutorials. Adults can collect test kits from the College libraries.

Please remember to report your COVID-19 test result on the Government website via this link: www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result.

If you record a positive test, please also let your Tutor know as soon as possible.

Although testing is voluntary, we strongly encourage everyone to take part to help protect our College community.

Please note that lateral flow testing also continues to be available in Community Test Centres across St Helens and Knowsley. For more information, visit the St Helens Borough Council and Knowsley Council websites.

Vaccinations for Young People (Aged 16 or Over)

Vaccinations are now available for those aged 16 or over and are a key measure in the Government’s plan to reduce the risks of COVID-19. We encourage all those eligible to take up the vaccine offer as soon as possible. More information regarding local vaccination centres can be found here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result should stay at home and self-isolate immediately. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should arrange to have a PCR test as soon as possible. This still applies even if you have received one or two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Government has issued advice and guidance on when to stay at home to support the prevention of the virus spreading. More information can be found here: www.gov.uk/coronavirus

What should I do if I receive a positive test result from a lateral flow device?
If you receive a positive LFD test result, you will be required to self-isolate in line with the stay-at-home guidance. You will also need to complete a PCR test to confirm that you have COVID-19. Whilst awaiting the PCR result, you will need to continue to self-isolate.

What if I have received a positive LFD result, and then a negative PCR test?
If the PCR test is taken within 2 days of the positive LFD test and is negative, it overrides the LFD test result and the student can return to College, as long as the individual does not have COVID-19 symptoms. Those with a negative LFD test result can continue to attend College.

What if I have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive?
You are not now required to self-isolate if you are notified you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 or if you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 and any of the following apply:

• you are fully vaccinated
• you are below the age of 18 years 6 months
• you have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• you are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

I have been notified by NHS test and trace that I am a close contact, but do not need to isolate, can I still attend College?
You should continue to attend College as normal.