Guidance for Students
Guidance for students with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19
As we approach the winter months and come into flu season, all students are asked to note the following guidance for students with symptoms of any respiratory infection, including COVID-19.
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
-
Testing
In Northern Ireland, COVID-19 testing is no longer recommended for most people if they develop symptoms, though testing is advised for some specific groups.
Public health guidance is available on the NI Direct website.
- If you are absent due to respiratory infection, including COVID-19
Regulations for Students 5.11 states that students must inform the relevant School Office of absence due to illness within three working days of returning to studies.
Medical evidence will be required for absence longer than five working days. - If you have symptoms but are well enough to study remotely
If you are well enough to continue with your studies, you do not need to report sickness absence but should advise your School that you are not able to attend in person.
Your School will do what they can to support you to study remotely while you are at home with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19.
- If you have symptoms and are unable to engage with assessment
You should only undertake your assessment if you are fit to do so.
If your symptoms mean that you are unable to attend your exam or submit your coursework on time, you should inform your School via the Exceptional Circumstances process.
You can self-verify your exceptional circumstances application up to seven calendar days, after which independent evidence will be required.
Find out more about the Exceptional Circumstances Procedure by visiting the Queen’s Assessment Support Hub.
- Information for students in groups for whom testing is still recommended
COVID-19 testing is no longer recommended or available for most people in the general population; however, testing is recommended for some specific groups.
If you test positive for COVID-19 you should follow the public health guidance.
-
Support for students with symptoms of respiratory infection, including COVID-19, who are living in Queen’s Accommodation
If you are unwell, practical support is available from Queen’s Accommodation.
Please email the Residential Life team to let them know you are unwell:
Alternatively, after 8.00pm each evening, you can also telephone Accommodation Reception directly on 028 9097 4525.
Or after 8.00pm each evening, you can also telephone Accommodation Reception directly on 028 9097 4525.