Staff update - July 30 2020
Dear colleagues,
As we approach the end of another week in the third phase of the Scottish Government’s route map through and out of the pandemic, I wanted to provide you with another update.
Scottish Government
You may have heard the announcement earlier today by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of a pause in shielding from 1st August and the reopening of Scottish schools from 11th August - with all pupils expected to be at school fulltime by 18th August.
The First Minister also urged people not to drop their guard and issued another reminder of the importance of FACTS - Face Coverings, Avoid crowded places, Clean hands regularly, Two metre distance, Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms. You can see her statement here (ADD LINK)
Work continues at the University to prepare for our return to campus and some of the latest developments now follow.
Face coverings, thermometers & lanyards
As you may recall from my message last week all students and staff will receive two reusable face coverings, on their return to working/studying on campus, as part of measures we are taking to counter the spread of the virus. Forehead thermometer testing strips will also be available for those who wish to use them.
Face coverings are currently available for collection each weekday between 11am and 1pm from Linklater Rooms or Polwarth reception and staff and student ID cards must be shown. Forehead thermometer testing strips will also be available at the same collection points from 10th August.
While we expect those able to wear face coverings to do so, we must also be aware that some people are unable to wear coverings for a variety of reasons, including medical conditions.
For those in that position – and to alert others to the fact that there is a reason a covering is not being worn – we have ordered Hidden Disabilities ‘sunflower’ lanyards for staff and students. As soon as these arrive, we will let you know where they will be available for collection.
Even if a lanyard is not displayed, please do remember there is may be a health reason or hidden disability behind the lack of covering.
Guidance on coverings can be found here and any staff member with concerns around their use should speak to their line manager or send any questions to coronavirus@abdn.ac.uk
Parcel delivery and collection
To avoid the risk around handling parcels, and to manage the workload of reduced staff members who are on site, can I please ask that staff do not:
Arrange for personal deliveries to be made to University Buildings.
Place small ads for collection from University Buildings.
Travel arrangements
A new group has been set up to establish an approval process to enable overseas business travel arrangements. More details will follow shortly.
As ever, thanks for all your hard work and have a restful weekend when it comes.
Best wishes
Debbie Dyker
Acting Director of Operations