You are here Email Archive

Dear College community

This week saw life beginning to return to normal with the significant easing of COVID-19 public health restrictions. This is what it means for us in Trinity: 

Returning to work on campus

As outlined in the Director of HR’s email earlier this week, the move back to campus for those of us working from home will be planned during the month of February, and the phased return will start in March. Next Monday the Board-approved Blended Work Policy will be launched.

Events

Approval for both outdoor and indoor non-academic events has returned to pre-COVID-19 procedures, requiring only the approval of the Junior Dean/Trinity Hall Warden. The procedures can be found on the Central Events website, the Junior Dean’s events/parties web page and events permission application checklist.

Catering

The Buttery, Forum, Dining Hall and The 1592 can now operate at full capacity and events can take place past 8pm. Vaccine certificates and ID are no longer required. Tables do not need to be 2m apart and can accommodate more than 6 people. Buttery customers can be served directly from the hot food counter. 

Face coverings 

Face coverings will continue to be required in all teaching and learning spaces, including lectures and labs, indoor buildings, the Library, and in shared office spaces.  

While there is no longer any legal requirement in relation to social distancing and the wearing of face masks for higher education institutions (HEIs), Minister Simon Harris confirmed that each HEI can determine how and when they gradually roll back on existing measures. 

On this basis, all catering staff will continue to wear masks in Trinity dining facilities and The Pavilion Bar. However, in line with government guidelines, customers are not required to wear them but are encouraged to do so. 

In Trinity Hall and accommodation on the main campus, wearing of face masks in stairwells, lifts or when visiting reception continues to be recommended, staff will continue to wear masks and perspex screens will remain in place. 

Student Spaces, such as Zón Mac Léinn, will re-open after checks to ensure they meet normal health and safety requirements. Face masks are not required to be worn in these spaces. 

Face masks are not required at indoor and outdoor events unless you are in the following settings: 

·         public transport, taxis and at stations/airports/ports

·         retail premises (including shopping centres, libraries, cinemas, theatres, museums, post offices, banks), public offices and at premises providing specified services and businesses (including salons, hairdressers, travel agents, laundries, dry cleaners, bookmakers)

·         customer facing roles in premises where food and beverages are sold for consumption on the premises, and

·         healthcare settings. 

Keep safe

Please remember that if you have any symptoms – isolate and get a test. If you are a close contact follow the guidance on the HSE website. The best way to keep yourself safe is to ensure you are fully vaccinated and have your booster. Our College Health Centre will be running another walk-in vaccination clinic from 8 - 11 February in the Public Theatre for students and staff. Don’t forget that twice-weekly antigen testing continues to be available to all through UniCov.

Stay safe. Stay well. Bígí slán agus sábháilte.

Kind regards,

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

Orla Cunningham, Interim Chief Operating Officer
Orla Ní Chuinneagáin, An Príomhoifigeach Oibriúcháin Eatramhach

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