COVID-19: here's how we're handling it
If you are a current student please see our current student FAQ page below.
COVID-19 secure 2020
We will be regularly updating this page with the most recent information about Covid-19 cases at Aston University, as well as information about additional measures in the region.
The most recently reported rolling seven-day aggregated number of reported Covid-19 cases among students and staff at Aston University are shown in the table below. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely, taking appropriate action as necessary. The staff and students affected are self-isolating in accordance with public health guidance.
As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, the health and wellbeing of our staff, students and the wider community are our top priority and at the heart of all our decision-making. We have a comprehensive range of measures in place on campus to control the spread of infection.
University staff have been working closely with our accommodation partner Unite Students to ensure that any students who are self-isolating do not feel that they are on their own during these very difficult times. Students living in flats on the University campus and across the city are being communicated with frequently with regular phone contact offering welfare support and advice.
We are focused on students knowing about the support we are offering and how to access that support. View our current students page for more information.
Latest information on number of cases at Aston University
The 7-day rolling average of new positive confirmed cases reported to Aston University for the seven days to Sunday 29 November is as follows:
Period of data reporting: Monday 23 November - Sunday 29 November:
| STAFF |
|
|
|
| Total staff population |
Circa 1,950 |
Total number of staff who have tested positive in last 7 days |
3
|
| STUDENTS |
|
|
|
| Total student population |
Circa 15,000 |
Total number of students who have tested positive in last 7 days |
7 |
Sub-total of weekly Covid-19 positive cases reporting as being on campus 2 days prior to test/symptoms
| |
Yes |
No |
Unknown |
| Students |
0 |
5 |
2 |
| Staff |
0 |
2 |
1 |
Latest information
Why have Covid-19 restrictions changed in the Birmingham area?
Results from Covid-19 tests in the Birmingham area have shown that the infection rate has been growing in recent days. The Secretary of State for Health has made the decision to put additional measures in place and raise Birmingham’s status to ‘an area of intervention’ on the watchlist.
What is an area of intervention?
There are three categories into which local councils can be placed on the Covid-19 watchlist.
These are:
- areas of concern
- areas for enhanced support
- areas of intervention
An area of intervention is the highest level on the watchlist. It is described by PHE as an area where there is a "divergence" between the local measures in place to control the spread of coronavirus and the national restrictions across England. A detailed action plan will be in place and local resources will be boosted by national-level support.
Why is there a Covid-19 testing centre on Aston University's campus?
We have been working with Birmingham City Council to provide testing facilities on our campus since August 2020, which provides testing for up to 300 people per day. This is one of the many activities Aston has undertaken to support the fight against Covid-19 in the city.
The safety of our students and staff are of the utmost importance at this time. The provision of these facilities means in the event of a student or colleague displaying symptoms, they are able to apply to have their test on campus. This means they would not need to travel a long distance to a testing centre when feeling unwell and when they may be carrying the virus.
From September 2020, all universities have been asked by the Department of Health to provide testing on their campuses.
If you have coronavirus symptoms:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
Get a test now
Do not leave home/your accommodation or flat for at least 10 days after your test
An update to all students on the national lockdown from Michelle Donelan, Minister of State for Universities.
We will be operating a blended approach to learning and teaching where you will study both online and on-campus in term one. All large scale lectures will be delivered using online technology.
Staff and student welfare is something we take very seriously, which is why we have a dedicated team in place to closely monitor and manage the Coronavirus situation. Rest assured we’re doing everything we can.
Following guidance from Public Health England, Universities UK and the NHS, face-to-face teaching is currently taking place on-line, and plans are in place to open up the campus in stages over the coming months.
But our commitment to the Aston University community doesn’t stop there. Most learning is available via remote channels and we’re just a phone call or message away from answering any questions you may have. No query is too small and no concern is too trivial – just take a look at the FAQ pages below in the first instance.
Read our stories on supporting the national effort against COVID-19.
Exemption cards
If you are exempt from wearing a face mask we encourage you to download our exemption badge from our current student webpage and ensure that this is clearly visible on your person, or available to show via your phone. Plastic wallets will be available to collect from main reception so that you can attach to your lanyard.
Aston Together
We’re proud of our Aston University community and how we look after each other. We have never needed each other more than we do today. Help us to help each other by being considerate to others and behaving appropriately at all times. By working together we can all help to make Aston a safer place.
Together we ask that you:
Be respectful
Show consideration towards other students, staff and visitors. Respect those whose personal circumstances differ from yours, and who may need to adopt different safety measures.
Be observant
Follow guidance on social distancing and health and safety measures, and adhere to signage and instructions around campus to maximise the safety of yourself and others who are sharing space with you.
Be kind
Show empathy towards others and be supportive to those in need. Offer friendship, be inclusive, and speak out to a member of the Aston team if you think someone needs assistance.
If you show Covid-19 symptoms, follow Government guidance to self-isolate, get tested and inform us via covid-19reporting@aston.ac.uk