Update from College Secretary to staff

1 May 2020

Dear colleagues,

As yet we do not know what Government restrictions due to COVID-19 will be like after 5 May; An Taoiseach is expected to make an announcement later this evening. However, strong indications at this stage are that they will be lifted gradually and modestly.

In the meantime, I would like to update you on what Trinity is doing to plan for the future and to consider what the ‘new normal’ may look like.

The Major Emergency Management Group (MEMT) and COVID-19 Working Group continue to deal with the impact of the Pandemic on the operations of Trinity. A subgroup is preparing for a phased resumption of operations on campus by considering the various factors such as what the Government will allow us to do; what we want to do; and what can we do logistically, bearing in mind issues such as social distancing.

The health and wellbeing of our College community is paramount, and the group is considering the precautions required before the phased resumption of activities on campus. Actions will be in line with Government guidelines and it is anticipated that working and studying remotely will remain widespread for the immediate future. Even if Government restrictions ease access to College, it most likely will only be for a limited number of priority activities and approved functions such as key staff members and limited postgraduate researchers. Guidelines for heads of school, units and research institutes are being prepared.

The Provost will send an email to staff and students next week outlining further how the College will proceed following the Taoiseach’s announcement about restrictions from the 5th of May.

I hope you and your families continue to remain safe and well.

Kind regards

John Coman

Secretary to the College, West Theatre, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

Rúnaí an Choláiste, An Téatar Thiar, Coláiste na Tríonóide, Baile Átha Cliath, Ollscoil Átha Cliath, Faiche an Choláiste, Baile Átha Cliath 2, Éire