We hope you have had an enjoyable start to the academic year here at Nottingham, and you are taking every opportunity to have the university experience you deserve after such a challenging 18 months.

Although cases of Covid-19 at the university remain low, the winter months and easing of restrictions mean it is inevitable that there will be an increase in cases. This is why we are writing to you to ensure that, wherever possible, you:

• take Covid-19 tests each week using our easily accessible campus testing service
• are fully vaccinated through a simple appointment at our campus clinic (or an alternative vaccination site)
• wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces

Taken together, these three simple precautions can protect you, your friends and your tutors from a deeply unpleasant illness that can be passed onto friends and family, result in long-term health conditions or even death.

These measures can also ensure that you are able to enjoy the fullest university experience – sport and social activities, travelling more freely, avoiding isolation and keeping the university’s teaching and learning accessible and safe for all.

We understand there are reasons that some people cannot get vaccinated or wear a face covering. However, as part of the university community, we have a collective responsibility to follow these safety measures and protect each other as much as we can.

So many of you are already playing your part: 85% of 18-21 year-olds registered at Cripps Health Service have had one vaccination and 70% have had both. But we urge you to get tested every week and wear face coverings to make sure this terrible illness does not disrupt your teaching, learning and social experiences on campus.

Please play your part in keeping our university safe.

Yours faithfully,