Covid-19 Update: All you need to know

As you know, we are currently facing an outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19) at a national and international level. In this tough time, it is important to be well-informed, take all necessary measures and stay calm. Below, we are sharing all the information you may need, together with the latest advice from relevant authorities.

What is coronavirus (Covid-19)?

Covid-19 is a new illness that is caused by a virus called coronavirus and can affect your lungs and airways. According to NHS, the Covid-19 symptoms are:

• A high temperature (this means that your chest or back is hot to the touch)
• A new, continuous cough (this means coughing a lot for more than one hour or three coughing episodes within 24 hours)

If you have either of these two symptoms, you should self-isolate for 7 days. If anyone at your flat has these symptoms, you should self-isolate for 14 days.

It is not clear yet how coronavirus spreads from person to person. Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.

For the latest information on coronavirus and its symptoms, visit the NHS website.

What measures are taken at our residences?

Each one of our accommodation providers is monitoring closely the situation and taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of both students and employees. The guidance of expert authorities like Public Health England is implemented to the letter.

Additional cleaning

Additional cleans are being carried out throughout communal areas and receptions.

Hand sanitisers

Hand sanitisers are placed at the receptions and communal areas including gyms.

Reviewed guest policy

Guest policies are being reviewed in order to reduce the number of on-site visitors. Residents are discouraged of receiving visitors unless it is absolutely necessary. In this case, visitors’ movements are tracked and monitored with visitor forms and other appropriate measures.

Joined approach with university partners

All the accommodation providers are in contact with the university partners across the UK to ensure that there is a fully aligned plan of action and all students have access to the support they may need.

Post collection and package delivery

We encourage all our residents to minimise deliveries to only essential items such as groceries, so that the on-site teams can support those who are self-isolating and need more help.

In case of self-isolating:

• Send a friend who doesn’t self-isolate to collect your deliveries from the reception or let your on-site/reception team know by phone or email if you need a parcel delivered to your door.
• The team members wear gloves to handle all packages and they leave the packages outside of the flat doors.

In case of confirmed COVID-19 case

If a case is confirmed through testing at one of our residences, the relevant authorities’ instructions will be followed and it will ensured that all students will receive the necessary guidance and support. A professional deep cleaning will also be arranged for all the areas that the affected resident may have used.

Communication and support

In this time of uncertainty, your wellbeing is our absolute priority. We do our best to ensure that everyone has the necessary support and guidance.

If you have a practical question concerning your residence, contact your on-site team.

For all other enquiries for your current booking/new bookings and everything you may need, you can contact us at:

+44 20 7287 1912

book@londonist.co.uk

We will also share any news and developments via email and on our social media accounts. For more information, check also your provider page:

IQ

Unite Students

Just remember that you are not alone. At Londonist, we are a family and we will navigate this difficult time together.

Maintenance

Essential maintenance is carried out as required. In case of self-isolation, please be aware that we will carry out maintenance in your flat only in the case of a serious safety risk to you or others.

What measures should I be taking individually?

In line with advice from the NHS and Public Health England, we strongly encourage you to do the following:

• wash your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
• avoid all unnecessary travel• work and study from home, if you can
• avoid all types of social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
• avoid events with large groups of people
• use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services
• do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family

For the most up-to-date advice, visit the NHS website.

When should I self-isolate and what should I do then?

According to NHS, you should self-isolate

• for 7 days if you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough
• for 14 days if you live with someone that has the above symptoms.

After the self-isolating for the above periods:

• You do not need to stay at self-isolation if you do not have a high temperature.
• However, if you have a high temperature, you should continue self-isolating until your temperature returns to normal.
• You don’t need to stay at home if you have a cough beyond your period of self-isolation.

According to the official guidelines:

• You do not need to contact 111 and should not visit a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy. Stay in your flat unless told otherwise by health authorities.
• If your symptoms get worse or you can't cope with them at home, use the 111 online coronavirus service. If you can't get help online, call 111 or, in an emergency, call 999.
• Do not go to work, university, lectures or public areas, and don’t use public transport or taxis until you are told it’s safe to do so.
• For all deliveries, make sure the items are left at the reception or outside of your room.
• Stay away from friends or flatmates.
• If you have been provided with a facemask, you should wear it when you come in contact with other people.
• Make sure you dispose your rubbish properly by tying it up in two plastic bin bags.

Additionally, we advise our residents to:

• Avoid using common areas in your accommodation (apart from your shared kitchen which you need to clean thoroughly afterwards).
• In the event of a fire alarm, please evacuate the building as you would normally, but where possible, keep at least a six-feet distance from other people.

What should I do if someone at my flat has symptoms?

If you live with someone who has COVID-19 symptoms, according to government advice, you need to self-isolate for 14 days. In this case, you cannot go outside and you need someone to bring you supplies. Check the above question concerning self-isolation.

What should I do if I have to travel?

Right now, the government advises against any travel, unless it is absolutely necessary. If it is really necessary to travel, you should check the Government website for the latest travel advice. Keep in mind that the official guidelines are changing from day to day, and there may be wider travel disruption soon.

Check also what we offer to help our students during this difficult period.