Update from College Secretary and Director, College Health Service to students and staff

12 November 2020

Dear students and colleagues,

This week has seen what appear to be positive reports regarding the development of a vaccine for COVID-19. We don’t yet know when, how, or to whom, a vaccine may be introduced. It is still very important to take all preventative measures to prevent the spread of the virus such as face coverings, hand washing, cough and sneeze good practice and physical distancing.

Mask up – even outside!

As well as wearing face coverings indoors at all teaching and learning events, in all the Libraries and in internal public spaces on campus, you are urged to wear face coverings outside too when in groups and where social distancing of 2m cannot be maintained. This will help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Outbreak of COVID-19 in Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute

An outbreak of COVID-19, associated with the School of Biochemistry and Immunology (3rd floor and the Loading bay on the ground floor, TBSI), is being managed by the College Health Service, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (HSE East). A Public Health risk assessment has been undertaken, and all close contacts have been identified and tested.

It has been decided to suspend teaching of all practical classes that were scheduled to take place in the teaching laboratory (3.22) from 16 – 20 November to ensure the safety of all staff and students. Everyone affected by this temporary suspension of activity have been notified directly and appropriate alternative arrangements will be put in place.

How to report a case of COVID-19

All students who are diagnosed with a positive case of COVID-19 must notify their Course Director and all staff must notify their Line Manager or Head of School. Doing so enables the university to identify clusters and take measures to protect other students and staff. Please refer to the flow chart here.

Library ‘check-ins’ come on board from 16 November

To maximise the availability of seats in the Berkeley, Lecky, Ussher, Hamilton and John Stearne Medical libraries, the Library booking system will undergo a number of important changes from Monday 16 November. Readers will be required to check-in to confirm their bookings and stewards will be on hand to check bookings at entrances and check on mask wearing etc. across the reading rooms. The Library will be in touch with all students in the coming days to outline the changes in more detail.

Stay safe. Stay well. Bígí slán agus sábháilte.

Kind regards,

John Coman, Secretary to the College
Seán Ó Comáin, Rúnaí an Choláiste

Dr David McGrath, Director, College Health Service
An Dr David McGrath, Stiúrthóir, Seirbhís Sláinte an Choláiste