Continuing our guest blog – Student life in the times of COVID from Public Health England.

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What to do if you need to self-isolate.

If you test positive for COVID while at university, the rules on self-isolation remain the same. You must self-isolate for 10 days. That means staying at your university accommodation and avoiding contact with other people as much as possible, including those you live with.

If anyone in your household becomes unwell during the 14-day period they should get tested for COVID-19. Should their test is positive they’ll need to self-isolate for 10 days from when their symptoms started but if their test result is negative they should continue to self-isolate for the 14-day period.

If you’re living in student accommodation where someone in your ‘household’ (as set out by the management team) has symptoms of COVID or tests positive you must let the management team know.

Whichever type of accommodation you live in, you should also tell your university and course leader or tutor, so they can offer any extra support you might need.

Your other close contacts that will be informed by NHS Test and Trace if they should self-isolate.

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NHS Test and Trace.

Many returning students will have a new address after moving from halls of residence into private student housing, so it’s a good idea to make sure the university has your latest personal details to ensure the NHS Test and Trace can get in touch if they need to.

If you or anyone you’ve had close contact with test positive for COVID, you’ll be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and asked to self-isolate. If you are contacted, you will be asked to provide them with information they’ll need to help stop the spread of the virus.

The NHS Test and Trace app is part of the national effort to get us back doing the things we love and every person who downloads the app will be helping in the fight against COVID. The app will help you to report symptoms, order a COVID test, check in to venues by scanning a QR code and help the NHS trace those who may have COVID. While protecting your identity and data security.

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Got symptoms – get a test.

Make sure you are clear about the symptoms of COVID and when you should get a test. If you have any of the following symptoms you should get a test:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

You can book a test on line at GOV.UK at get-coronavirus-test or by phoning NHS 119.

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Be mindful of your mental health.

Recent months haven’t been fun or easy for anyone – not least of all students. The new online resource at Student Space has a variety of useful mental health and wellbeing materials that can support you. Public Health England has also published general guidance on mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19.

Take a look at the wellbeing section of the Host website to see how we support you while living with Host.

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Your role is crucial.

Young people play a crucial role in preventing the spread of COVID to protect those at much greater risk. By following the guidance on washing your hands; keeping your distance; not socialising with more than 6 people; wearing a face covering; using the NHS Test and Trace app, self-isolating and getting a test if you have symptoms you are helping to save lives. Respecting the rules will keep you, your friends and family healthy, and your university town a safe and enjoyable place to live.

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Remember:

Protect yourself, your university and the wider community – remember ‘Hands. Face. Space’.

• Wash your hands regularly.
• Wear a face covering where rules apply.
• Keep a 2m distance.
• Socialise only with your ‘household’ or maximum of 6.
• Get a test and self-isolate if you develop symptoms.
• Use the NHS Test and Trace app.

Check out our Health & Safety commitments and what we at Host are doing to keep you safe while living with us this year.