Monday 12 April 2021 marks the next step in the government’s gradual easing of Covid-19 national restrictions which will see the reopening of pubs, restaurants, non-essential retail and services such as hairdressers, gyms and public libraries.

However, the rules around social interaction remain in place and indoor mixing of households remains prohibited. Please ensure you know the rules and how they apply to you to avoid Police action or university disciplinary sanctions. You can find out more on our restrictions pages.

I am sorry to inform you that universities have yet to be advised by the Department for Education whether we can invite further students to return to in-person teaching beyond those permitted to return under the guidance published on 8 March (ie students studying practical or practice-based subjects and/or those requiring specialist equipment and facilities who have already returned or are due to do so in April).

The university, together with our colleagues in the Russell Group and Universities UK, is continuing to lobby government to permit the further return of students for in-person teaching. Government has advised that students will be given at least one week’s notice ahead of any further return - and with the summer term commencing on Monday 19 April, I hope I can update you shortly.

What do the new restrictions mean?

The latest relaxation to the national restrictions means that from Monday 12 April 2021:

• outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) are permitted for groups of up to six people (the ‘rule of six’) or two households.
• pubs and restaurants may reopen to serve food and drinks in outdoor settings only for seated individuals, groups of up to six people or two households.
• non-essential shops, hairdressers, public buildings, outdoor attractions and holiday campsites can reopen.
• gyms and outdoor sports facilities can reopen and formally organised outdoor sports can resume.
• the ‘stay at home’ rule has ended and overnight stays are permitted, but the government encourages people to ‘stay local’ - you should minimise travel, work from home where possible and stay two metres apart from anyone not in your household.

More university facilities to reopen

Sport at Nottingham

The university is re-opening indoor sports facilities including our fitness suites, swimming pool, climbing wall and indoor courts - please visit UoN Sport for more details.

These facilities should be used individually or with members of your household as the national restrictions continue to prohibit mixing of households indoors.

You can now book gym and swim sessions and you can also continue to book courts, engage sessions and outdoor group exercise classes.

Campus bars, cafes and restaurants

The university and Students’ Union will be reopening our catering and food outlets, offering takeaway which can be consumed at dedicated outdoor seating facilities.

These facilities can be used individually, with your household or under the ‘rule of six’ in line with the latest relaxation of restrictions for socialising outdoors.

We will also be reopening a number of bars with outdoor seating areas, which again can be used individually, with your household or under the ‘rule of six.’

Staying in, saving lives

Don’t forget that our 'Staying in, saving lives' webpages offer you a wide range of events, offers and opportunities that are available throughout this latest period of national restrictions and beyond.

Covid-security and testing

We have taken significant steps to provide a Covid-secure environment on our campuses and the wellbeing of our community remains our priority.

Within our university the number of active cases of Covid-19 remains low. Please remember to Isolate, Notify, Test if you do start to experience coronavirus symptoms and let the university know, even if you are not in Nottingham.

Whilst it is very positive that the national restrictions continue to be relaxed, please ensure that you continue to follow the rules and help to keep everyone safe.

Should you have any questions, please call our Covid-19 support centre on 0115 748 7700. The helpline is open 10:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Whether you will recommence your studies for the summer term in person or online, all of us at the university look forward to welcoming you back from the holidays.

Best wishes, Andy

Professor Andrew Long
Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor
University of Nottingham