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

22 January 2021

Dear students and colleagues,

We hope this finds you well. As the Semester One assessment period draws to an end and the commencement of Semester Two teaching nears, it is important for us all to continue to adhere to the Public Health Guidelines. Your efforts in helping reduce the spread of COVID-19 are making a difference but there is a need to be particularly vigilant at this time. It remains extremely important to take all measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Do not forget that the best way to protect yourself and others is to practice social distancing (keep a space of 2 metres (6.5 feet) between you and other people), wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wearing a mask in all indoor settings and in public places is also required.

Access to College buildings is limited at this time and access to the campus is via Lincoln Place and Nassau Street gates only until 31 January 2021. In the interest of keeping us all safe, and in keeping with the Public Guidelines, only the following are currently permitted access:

• Residents

• Essential researchers (as submitted by Head of School/Unit)

• Students with pre-booked time slot in the Libraries/Study Spaces

• Students with an exam location agreed in College

• Essential staff (as submitted by Head of School/Unit)

• Pre-approved visitors

Changes to Library Opening Times

The Library introduced changes to opening hours and services today, Friday 22nd January. The aim is to balance provision for Library users, who need study space and access to collections, with the health, safety and welfare of staff and students in light of the current Covid-19 situation. For full details on the new arrangements, see the Library’s Plan your visit guide.

In summary: The following reading rooms are open (pre-booking required):

1. Berkeley and Lecky Libraries (1-5pm, Monday to Friday)

2. Ussher Library, ground floor ATIC space (1-5pm, Monday to Friday)

3. Kinsella Hall in Ussher Library, floors 1-3 [study space only] (8am-10pm, Monday to Sunday)

4. 1937 Postgraduate Reading Room [study space only] (8am-10pm, Monday to Sunday)

The following reading rooms are closed:

1. The Ussher Library, basement and floors 4 & 5

2. The Hamilton Library

3. The John Stearne Medical Library

4. The Research Collections joint reading room

There are no counter services, but staff are facilitating Click & Collect requests from the ground floor of the Berkeley Library and the concourse just outside the Hamilton Library each day from 1-3pm, Monday to Friday. The Scan on Demand and Postal Delivery services are continuing, as is the online Chat with us service. The Subject Librarian team is available for virtual consultations and electronic resources continue to be accessible remotely. These arrangements are being kept under constant review.

Trinity Sport

Interested in running or walking?

Join Trinity Sport every Wednesday for a virtual 5K, simply track your 5K via Strava anytime throughout the day! Sign up to Strava for free and then join the Trinity Sport Club. Trinity Sport has created a 2.5K route, a 5K route and a 10K route around Trinity Hall and the Trinity College Dublin campus.

• Receive running and walking tips

• Receive weekly motivation

• Running and walking routes around Trinity Halls and Trinity College Dublin campus included

• Connect with the wider Trinity College Dublin community

Student Supports

The College Health Service continues to provide Medical services for students, including the Campus Covid-19 Testing Centre. Please telephone the Health Centre on 01 8961591. The Service operates from 9.15am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday only. An Out of Hours Service is provided through Dubdoc and can be accessed on the same number. For COVID-19 queries please phone the College Health Service Covid line on 01 896 1556. Covid-related calls are dealt with 7 days a week. If you need support do not hesitate to contact Student Counselling. We have a range of self-guided courses in areas such as managing anxiety and our counsellors also offer one-to-one support where needed.

The Buttery and The Perch remain open for take-away service, 8am – 3pm. Don’t forget that there is 50% off everything in the Buttery Restaurant for all students when purchasing food with your TCard. The 1592 is now closed.

The Assistant Junior Deans and Assistant Wardens , Chaplaincy pastoral services and College Security are also available to offer support. If you are finding this a difficult time, please do reach out and avail of these supports.

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 Daithi Mac Craith, Stiúrthóir, Seirbhís Sláinte an Choláiste