Update from Director of College Health & College Secretary to staff and students
14 May 2021
Dear students and colleagues
Yesterday the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD said that the latest analysis shows that anyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine would be fully vaccinated by September. This is good news. As part of the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, College Health has vaccinated almost 100 staff and students from group 4 and over 500 staff and students from group 7.
Remain vigilant!
It is important to keep our guard up. Even with a first or second vaccination there is still a risk of getting and/or transmitting COVID-19, albeit a much-reduced risk. No vaccine is 100% effective. So please continue to adhere to public health guidelines of social distancing, wearing face coverings and hand washing, etc.
Restricting social gatherings in line with Government advice is essential. We realise that this is hard with the arrival of summer social activities and the easing of restrictions, but it is a continued risk which has to be managed. There was a recent outbreak of over 100 cases resulting from a post-exam party in UCC.
Working from home
Staff who are working from home should continue to do so if possible. This is the case even if you have been vaccinated with a first or second vaccination. It is a safer approach for the Trinity community, as per Government guidelines.
COVID-19 vaccines – HR update
Time off work for COVID-19 vaccines is to be treated as a medical appointment in line with College’s sick leave policy. Any illness absence as a result of adverse reaction to a vaccine is considered ordinary illness and will be recorded as sick leave. To find out more about this, please visit the COVID-19 Staff FAQs
TriniScreen pilot - screening for people without symptoms
The TriniScreen pilot of free weekly screening tests on a voluntary basis is now being extended to all staff. Managers are asked to encourage their staff to participate, even if they have been vaccinated.
Triniscreen involves testing self-collected saliva samples for COVID-19. Anybody who tests positive will be informed of the result by College Health who will arrange a consultation with a College Health GP to decide on further action. It is also available to residents in Trinity Hall and on campus and postgraduate students who need to attend campus for their research. To find out more and how to participate, please click here.
Trinity Sport free outdoor classes
Trinity Sport is offering free outdoor fitness classes for students and staff. You can book a class on the Trinity Sport app. Classes are taking place at College Park pitches and include BoxFit, Pilates, circuits and HIIT. Come and join us!
Student supports
For students doing assessments at the moment, please avail of our supports if needed - look after your mental health with Student Counselling, prepare for completing your online assessments with IT Services, apply for Reasonable Exam Accommodations at the Disability Office, and book a study space to prepare for upcoming exams (a quick overview of spaces is here). For a list of all the student supports available at Trinity, please see here.
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