As we reach the end of our first term at Royal Holloway on 10 December 2021, I want to provide an update on how the academic year is progressing as we continue to navigate the pandemic.

In September 2021, we were pleased to be able to welcome existing and new students back to campus for in-person teaching, with some digital elements. Along with our Students’ Union and clubs and societies, we have also been able to offer a diverse programme of face-to-face events and experiences. As the term has progressed, campus has come back to life, and I believe our students, their academic success and their personal wellbeing are all the better for that.

Throughout the pandemic we have worked hard to create a Covid-secure campus. This term we have delivered face-to-face teaching while maintaining one metre social distancing; we strongly encourage twice weekly lateral flow testing, and following the emergence of the Omicron variant and updated Government guidance, we expect students, staff and visitors over the age of 12 years old to wear face coverings while indoors, including libraries, teaching rooms, lecture halls, laboratories and multiple-occupancy offices. We will continue to follow updated Covid-19 guidance issued by the UK Government and adapt as circumstances require.

Our students and staff have continued to play their part to help keep infection rates on campus to manageable levels. Over the course of this term 42 students and 48 staff have reported that they had been on campus and tested positive for Covid-19. This is out of a total of 101 students and 55 staff who have reported positive tests to the university. We have supported our students through 177 periods of self-isolation. As of Monday, 6 December 2021, there are seven students and eight staff who have been on campus who are currently self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19; this is out of a total of 20 students and nine staff who have reported positive tests to the university. 

We are encouraging all our students to use lateral flow tests before travelling home for the break, and before returning to campus for the start of term which begins on 10 January 2022. We are also encouraging everyone who is eligible to get fully vaccinated against Covid-19, including the booster vaccination. 

As is the case every year, Royal Holloway’s campus will remain open throughout the Christmas period supporting students who spend the holidays locally.

I would like to thank you for your continued support of the university, and wish you all a healthy and happy Christmas, and my best wishes for the New Year.