Sheffield's university leaders are 'prepared' as 60,000 students set to descend on the city

Sheffield's university leaders say they are doing all they can to minimise coronavirus risks as they prepare for around 60,000 students to descend on the city.
Students are due to return this weekendStudents are due to return this weekend
Students are due to return this weekend

Prof Sir Chris Husbands, Sheffield Hallam University vice-chancellor, and Prof Koen Lamberts, The University of Sheffield vice-chancellor, have issued a joint statement to reassure the city they are prepared as thousands of young people are set to arrive this weekend for the start of the new term.

A variety of measures have been put in place including hand sanitising stations, one-way systems, reducing the number of people on campuses at any one time and regular cleaning of touch points.

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They said: "In this unprecedented year, as students return to the city and look forward to the start of a new academic year, we have to be open and honest about how different that experience will be – and what is expected of them to help keep themselves and the Sheffield community safe.

Students are due to return this weekendStudents are due to return this weekend
Students are due to return this weekend

"As vice-chancellors of the city’s two universities, we take seriously our responsibility for the welfare of our students, staff and local communities and are committed to doing all we can to minimise risks and make the return of students as safe as possible for everyone."Concerns had been raised about student house parties by Sheffield's public health director Greg Fell.

He said: "Concern is what happens off campus in unregulated space. Student union bars are regulated space, licensed premises are also regulated space and there is much we can and are doing in those spaces. The key concern is house parties and things of that ilk.

"The last thing we want is a big spike in 20 to 30 year olds that eventually gets to 60 to 70 year olds because then we will just be in lockdown and that will be detrimental to all concerned including students."

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However Mr Fell said he was satisfied both universities had done a huge amount of planning for managing how they reopen.

Professor Sir Chris Husbands, Sheffield Hallam University's vice chancellor. Picture: Andrew Roe Professor Sir Chris Husbands, Sheffield Hallam University's vice chancellor. Picture: Andrew Roe
Professor Sir Chris Husbands, Sheffield Hallam University's vice chancellor. Picture: Andrew Roe

He added: “I’m as happy as I can be that the universities and colleges are going to open safely but it will be a bit of a rocky road I think for the next month or two.”

Prof Husbands and Prof Lamberts added campaigns are running to provide clear guidance about how students can keep themselves and others safe.

They said: "We are also providing our students with free reusable face masks and encouraging them to follow guidelines about wearing face coverings in our buildings, as well in shops and on public transport.

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"We know arrivals week can be a busy time, with students and their families travelling to Sheffield to move into student accommodation.

Koen Lamberts, vice-chancellor of Sheffield University. Picture: Scott MerryleesKoen Lamberts, vice-chancellor of Sheffield University. Picture: Scott Merrylees
Koen Lamberts, vice-chancellor of Sheffield University. Picture: Scott Merrylees

"To make this process as safe as possible, we have planned for staggered arrivals over the space of a week, with allocated time slots and limits on the number of family members who can accompany students.

"For students arriving from overseas, both universities are providing free accommodation and support for the duration of any quarantine period they need to complete.

"We know the measures we have put in place cannot completely eradicate all risks, so we are also working to ensure students understand how and where to get tested for Covid-19 if they have symptoms, and preparing robust processes to track and trace contacts on our campuses.”