The two universities in Bristol have now issued statements after the Government announced they can stay open during England's second coronavirus lockdown.
England is to go into its second national lockdown this Thursday (November 5) when non-essential retail shops, pubs and restaurants will close but schools, colleges and universities will remain open.
However, the Government is saying universities and adult education settings should consider moving to increased levels of online learning where possible and is telling students they should only return home at the end of term for Christmas.
In Bristol, both universities have been dealing with coronavirus outbreaks and more than 2,000 cases have now been reported across both universities, with cases at the universities accounting for more than a quarter of the total cases in Bristol (7,203).
There has been a mixed reaction from students and staff in Bristol to the news universities can stay open and both universities in the city have now issued a further statement clarifying their position.
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Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: “The Prime Minister announced on Saturday that schools and universities should remain open during the forthcoming national lockdown.
“Given that our number of active cases is falling overall and Public Health England has not found any evidence of student-to-staff transmission, the local PHE guidance is that no further changes are required at this point given all the relevant mitigations are in place.
“We will, therefore, maintain our blended learning approach of online and in-person teaching. We will also continue to deliver ongoing research activity where it cannot be undertaken remotely."
The university said students should continue to attend classes and colleagues should continue to work as planned, with staff working from home if they are able to do so.
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He added: “It is important that students remain at the university at this time in order to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
"The Government guidance confirms that students must not move back and forward during term time, only returning home at the end of term for Christmas.
“We continue to monitor the local position in collaboration with PHE and Bristol City Council on a weekly basis and will keep this decision under review.
"We are open to moving more education online where and when appropriate.
"However, to move any programme or unit wholly online without good evidence could have significant consequences for our staff, students and the wider community, bearing in mind the clear public health risk and guidance relating to students not travelling home."
He continued: “We recognise that this is a difficult time for our whole community and that many staff and students will be concerned about this new lockdown and its impact on family and friends.
"The health and wellbeing of everyone in our community is very important to us and we have a range of support and wellbeing services available.”
The University of West of England has also issued a statement confirmed it would remain open throughout the lockdown period.
It said: "We will continue to deliver the same blended approach of online and in-person teaching that has been in place since the start of term.
“We are following Government guidance which states that in-person teaching is expected to continue, recognising the importance for the learning experience and for student mental health and wellbeing. We will continue to review, with our local public health teams, the appropriate balance of online and in-person teaching throughout this period.
“Under the new restrictions, the Government have also made it clear that students should not leave their term time address to return to their parents or carer’s home until at least 2 December - and should continue to learn at university for the remainder of this term.
“The Government is in the process of finalising its guidance on what the new restrictions will mean for Higher Education and we will be updating our students and staff once we have received further information.”
