KCLSU is aware that four individuals within our community have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) while attending a KCLSU organised, social event in Guy’s Bar. Our COVID-19 response teams are working with the College, Public Health England, NHS Test and Trace and local health protection teams to identify and get in touch with anyone who has been in close contact with those affected. On the advice of Public Health England, we have asked those students who have tested positive and all those who attended the event, to self-isolate.

Support

We know how difficult it is for students who are starting or returning to university and need to self-isolate because of positive cases. King’s and the college Residence teams are providing practical and emotional support to those self-isolating. This includes the residences team providing students in halls with support on-site, such as delivery of food brought to student’s door, welfare teams checking in regularly and online sessions to help alleviate feelings of isolation. The university is also offering a rent rebate equal to two weeks rent as well as £50 towards food expenses in recognition of how difficult it is for students who need to self-isolate because of positive cases.

Students are able to remain engaged with their studies remotely if they feel able to do so, and their faculties and personal tutors are on hand to support with any concerns they may have. The KCLSU student officer team is also here to support any students affected by this and continues to work with the College on ongoing issues around Covid-19, so please do get in touch if you need any support or have any questions. The KCLSU Advice team are also able to provide free, confidential and impartial academic advice to students with issues affecting their studies.

Health and wellbeing

We take the health and wellbeing of our student members as our top priority, and this event as well as all our other recent venue events, have fully complied with the latest Government guidelines. We complete full venue risk assessments and ensure that the rule of 6 is abided by, as well as social distancing, staggered entry/exit, reduced capacity and hand sanitising is all implemented. All our staff are trained to ensure the venues are Covid-19 safe and wear protective disposable face coverings while working. 

Following liaison with KCL and recommendations from the London Coronavirus Response Cell we took a pragmatic decision to suspend evening events for the time being and review our risk assessments in light of the incident. This is an important step to increase confidence amongst our community and demonstrate how we are putting the safety of our students and staff first.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been working with KCL, Public Health England, NHS Test and Trace and local health protection teams to robustly plan for a number of different scenarios and ensure that systems and procedures are in place to manage suspected and confirmed cases. When we receive notification of a suspected or confirmed case, we follow detailed processes and procedures, including identifying close and proximity contacts, communications to relevant staff and students, and cleaning of affected areas where appropriate. The special arrangements we have now implemented have been tested and planned for protecting our community and those around us.

We are liaising with KCL to improve our response to future incidents and enable a continued prompt response to test and trace.  

Further advice

We continue to ask our community to be vigilant on COVID-19 symptoms and to follow government advice and university guidance on health and safety measures. This includes the need to book a COVID-19 test immediately on the onset of symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) and to stay at home if anyone in their household or close contacts has symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive.

We will continue to keep our students, staff and the wider community informed. Please refer to our website for the latest updates.

Updated on 07/10/2020