Coronavirus (Covid-19): Latest Information

We are strongly encouraging all RCA staff and students in the UK to get fully vaccinated (2 doses) and boosted which is the most effective way to protect yourself from the virus and prevent transmission to others. 

Getting vaccinated is important in keeping our community and loved ones safe from the effects of Covid-19. You don’t have to wait to be contacted by the NHS to access a vaccine and we encourage all students to take up the offer of all doses of the Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Find out more here or by calling 119 in the UK. If you need additional support please contact the RCA's Student Support team via [email protected].

As well as being fully vaccinated, students and staff can continue to support in the fight against Covid-19 by:

• Using lateral flow device testing twice a week and in advance of coming onto campus or travelling to other areas of the country. You can order tests online

  https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

   to be delivered to your home for free.
  
  
• Continuing to be vigilant by washing hands, maintaining social distancing and wearing face coverings where possible. 
  
  
• Making space and meeting in the fresh air to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
  
  
• Keep up to date with the latest information on our Covid-19 Information Hub.

Students can access support by:

• Contacting RCA’s Student Support Team and resources through Moodle and/or attend a virtual drop-in session on Mondays from 10am-12pm, Wednesdays from 3.30–5.30pm and Fridays from 1–3pm.
  
  
• Accessing TogetherAll, an online service operating worldwide, which is there to help support your mental health, 24h a day. To join, simply go to their website and sign up under ‘organisation’ with your College email address.
  
  
• Reaching out to the RCA Student's Union.

Staff can access support by:

• Speaking with your Line Manager
  
  
• Using the Employee Assistance Programme

Our approach to the academic year 2021/22

We are currently engaged in on-campus teaching, learning and assessment in accordance with Stage 2 of our Academic Delivery Plan.

The health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority and we will continue to follow UK Government guidance on the pandemic.

What if there are further restrictions?

Should the UK Government introduce further national or London-specific restrictions in the 2021/22 academic year, the College reserves the right to adapt teaching delivery and access to campus. Depending on the restrictions in place, this could be a blended or wholly online approach which could also limit workshop access.

For more information

• Staff and students, please check the intranet regularly for updates and detailed information. 
• Answering applicants' questions

Latest advice on self-isolation if you have symptoms 

Self-isolate immediately if:

• you have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
• you've tested positive for coronavirus – this means you have coronavirus
• you live with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive
• someone in your support bubble has symptoms or has tested positive
• you're told by NHS Test and Trace that you've been in contact with a person with coronavirus

If you have symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, you must self-isolate for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started. You should arrange to have a test to see if you have Covid-19 – go to NHS testing to arrange. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

See the latest NHS information and advice on Covid-19, and the latest guidance from Gov.uk.