Response to Omicron

Response to Omicron

by David Allen -
Number of replies: 0

Dear All,

As you will know from current news reporting, we are anticipating some form of updated public health guidance on the response to the Omicron variant; however, this guidance has yet to be released, at least in terms of impact into 2022. The Queen’s Leadership Team had a scheduled meeting today to review our Omicron-response for next term, but until updated guidance is released, we are unable to consider how it might impact on our practice in the spring term 2022.  Therefore, as matters presently stand, any adjustments already advised up to the beginning of term (10th January 2022) remain in place, but we cannot presently be specific about what can/will happen from that time onwards.  

We will be reviewing procedures and protocols again on the 4thJanuary 2022, in the light of any public health guidance that has been issued between now and then. Until the guidance is formally released, we cannot of course set out any specific implications for Queen’s, but we will likely be considering options such as, but not limited to:

  • Keeping face-to-face teaching operative where possible / safe to do so (and this is the current Department of Education steer, as we understand it);
  • Switching face-to-face teaching to (full) online delivery for a period of time;
  • Offering forms of hybrid delivery, combining simultaneous face-to-face and online teaching. 

We will advise on any procedural changes as soon as possible after that, and would ask for your patience up till then.

With best wishes for Christmas