Student Groups and Lockdown

Dear Student Groups,

Thank you for your patience with us whilst we have been awaiting further University and Government guidance regarding your Group Activity.As you'll all be aware, a second national lockdown for England will commence at midnight tonight - from Thursday 5th November to Wednesday 2nd December.

The increased infection rates and resulting government restrictions mean that for almost all of you, physical activity and physical gatherings will have to stop for the duration of the lockdown (currently 4 weeks). 

It's really important during these difficult times that you stay connected to each other - we hope and will support ALL groups to continue a digital social offer at least and to carry out your usual activity in a digital way wherever possible. There are many online platforms available for you to meet digitally through - including Zoom, which you can access the full version of, as a Portsmouth student (download instructions so you can get started with your digital offer right away).

We are currently completing digital risk assessments for you all which you will be shared into, please make sure you understand what you need to do to operate safely whilst in your digital version. We will also be sending out further support and information about other online platforms you can use for your group activity and signposting to any digital events you may be interested in over the next few weeks.

There are some groups for which physical activity may be classed under guidance as exercise and can be achieved solo or at most in pairs- this at first glance appears to fit within the government guidance. This could apply to a small handful of groups and we are still investigating this option - all physical activity should stop from tomorrow unless specifically updated by us please. It is important to note that all external facilities and the University Gym will be closed for bookings and members use during this lockdown.

For any other groups whose members wish to interact within the latest government lockdown guidance, you must ensure that you are clear on the guidance and you understand fully what is permitted - a summary of the relevant information is as follows:

• In general, you must not meet people socially. However, you can exercise or meet in a public, outdoors space with: people you live with, or your support bubble if you can be part of one (or as part of a childcare bubble), or with one other person. 
• You must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. (your flat or house is classed as a bubble)
• You cannot meet people in a private garden, unless you live with them.

There is further guidance on what exercise and other physical activity can continue during the period of national restrictions in the full government and universities guidance can be found here.

We appreciate that this is a tough time for everyone, and you can always find further support and information from the Advice Service, University Wellbeing, or through the University’s Covid FAQ's pages for students. There are also wellbeing resources and advice that can be accessed on Student Space.

Please do get in touch with us if you have any further questions or if we can help you in any way.

Many Thanks,

Groups Team @ The Union