Next Open Event 8 Feb - register here
Next Open Event 8 Feb - register here
Important information for Nescot students, staff and visitors
The Government has issued new guidance on living with respiratory illnesses including Covid-19. Please see the updated guidance below. Staff can also check SharePoint for specific information for people working at Nescot. If you have any questions please speak to your tutor, line manager or to HR.
The UK government made changes to the rules around Covid-19 on April 1. The new guidance says that Covid-19 should now be treated in the same way as other respiratory illnesses. This includes getting vaccinated, ventilating spaces, practising good hygiene and wearing a face covering in crowded areas. There is more information below.
Symptoms of Covid-19
The government has updated the list of symptoms of Covid-19, flu, and other common respiratory infections. These include:
What to do if you have symptoms
Free testing for Covid-19 has now ended for most people in the UK. You can find a list of who can get a free test on the NHS website here. You can also choose to pay for a test.
The NHS advises that people who have symptoms of a respiratory illness should rest and drink plenty of fluids. You can take over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol, but antibiotics are not needed.
When to stay at home
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection such as Covid-19, and you have a high temperature or you don’t feel well enough to do your usual activities, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. It is especially important to avoid close contact with anyone who is at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell. You can return to Nescot when you no longer have a high temperature, or you no longer feel too unwell to attend college.
If you have tested positive for Covid-19 you should stay at home for five full days. People under the age of 18 should self-isolate for three full days.
Reducing the spread of Covid-19
The NHS recommends that we all take simple steps to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses such as Covid-19. This includes:
You can find out more about steps you can take to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses include Covid-19 on the Germ Defence website recommended by the UK government.
The Living with Covid strategy includes provisions for colleges to make temporary changes if there is an outbreak. This page will be updated straight away if this happens.
There is an NHS vaccination centre in the college car park. The centre runs drop-in first, second and booster jabs for Nescot staff and students. Please look for information in the college or ask at the centre. You will need to bring your college ID, your Covid vaccination card, and ideally your NHS number. If you are unsure about receiving a vaccination you can speak to the doctor or nurse in charge.
Updates to this advice
We will continue to update this page and our social media channels. Students can also find updates on Nescomms, and staff can find additional information on SharePoint.
For further information, please check the links below:
People who live in the same household as someone with Covid-19 or who stayed overnight while they were infectious are at high risk of developing the illness. It can take up to ten days for your infection to develop, and you can pass it on even if you have no symptoms.
You can reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 by avoiding contact with anyone who you know is vulnerable, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, wearing a well-fitted face covering with multiple layers, and limiting close contact with people outside your household. Keep rooms well-ventilated, catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue and clean surfaces regularly.
You can read more on the government's website here.
We confirm we are complying with the government's guidance on managing the risk of Covid-19. If you have any questions about Nescot's Covid-19 policies please speak to your tutor, line manager or use the online contact form here.