MTU COVID19 OPERATIONS UPDATE to Staff and Students - 28 Feb 2022

Two key messages are:

  1. Please remember - all those who are symptomatic should self-isolate and not attend campus.
  2. The mandatory requirement to wear masks is removed from Monday 28th Feb 2022 inclusive. Importantly, we encourage the continued use of masks. We ask that our community supports those who choose to wear a mask – they are doing it to protect everyone.

 gov.ie - Public health measures coming into place on 28 February (www.gov.ie)


Following recent Government announcements on the removal of the majority of Covid19 measures we have reviewed our MTU Covid19 response measures.

We must remember that Covid19 remains an issue. We should expect that case numbers may rise again following the removal of restrictions and we must be prepared for potential further surges. We would like to assure our entire MTU community that we are continuing to monitor the situation and continue to engage closely with Public Health advisory.

 Please remember - all those who are symptomatic should self-isolate and not attend campus.

Changes are summarised below:

 Masks

·        the mandatory requirement to wear masks is removed from Monday 28th Feb 2022 inclusive.

·        Mask wearing continues on a voluntary basis and we encourage the continued use of masks. We ask that our community supports those who choose to wear a mask – they are doing it to protect everyone.

 

Antigen Testing

·        The advice, if you have symptoms, is: No test is required but self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms resolve, (unless you’re in one of the categories mentioned i.e., over 55 and not boosted, then the advice is self-isolate and get a PCR test.)

·        If you are a close contact, the advice (except for healthcare workers) is - No test required if not symptomatic, self-isolate if symptoms develop.

 

Other Covid19 Compliance remaining in place:

·        Hygiene Hub – will keep this going for another few weeks. We have significant stocks with further stocks on order including Masks and Antigen tests. We will continue this supply until reviewed.

·        Infection control measures such as hand sanitisers, handwash, etc will remain in place.

·        Cleaning protocols will continue.

·        Oasis Pro20 supply stations will continue.

·        Covid19 Sickness Management Unit remains in place. Staff and students are encouraged to continue to report suspected and confirmed cases to this unit.  Email to:  Covid.SicknessCork@mtu.ie

 

Use of Student Leaders

·        Retention and use of the Student Leaders for the removal of the signage, circulation controls, etc.

·        Materials to be stored in the Melbourn Building.

·        No Covid19 compliance or mask wearing enforcement will be required but we will maintain a compliance on smoking at entrances.

 

Lead Employee Representatives

·        Remain in place with existing roles

 

Travel approvals

·        There is no longer any need for specific prior travel authorisation for foreign travel

·        MTU Cork Campuses - All Erasmus travel must be advised in advance and likewise for long-term secondments and placements.

·        Insurance exclusions of cover remain in place for high risk individuals in relation to foreign travel.

·        Please continue to check with your respective campus with regard to the travel insurance cover for Covid19 or any other infectious disease as specific terms and conditions and exclusions apply to the policy.

 

Communications

·        Signage to be updated/changed

·        Updates will continue on the Covid19 Portal also

·        Continue Helpdesk to deal with ongoing queries - email covid19cork@mtu.ie for any assistance or help.

There are also wider supports available on campus should you wish to avail of same. Please go to: