Several colleges have updated students on how they plan to reduce the chances of Covid spreading in Lent term.

In an email sent to students last Friday (7/1), Robinson College has suggested that Covid passes - proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test - may become a part of college life, and may be required for attending events, such as bops. 

The college also encouraged students to ensure that their vaccine passports were up-to-date.

Following this, other colleges have also updated their guidance to students.

Medwards and Robinson both encouraged students to take LFTs before attending events, such as formals, lectures and supervisions, in emails sent to students. 

Face-masks will continue to be worn in indoor college spaces at Clare, Medwards, Robinson and Caius, as well as during college-based supervisions and DoS meetings.

In a document sent to students, Clare said that they would consider allowing those who “have health conditions which will severely disrupt their teaching in Cambridge due to the ongoing pandemic” to apply to study remotely in Lent term.

Murray Edwards and Gonville and Caius have also urged students to get their booster vaccinations before returning for Lent Term.

In an email sent on Wednesday, (12/1) Lucy Cavendish requested that students should fill in a form, detailing which vaccinations they had received and when, including the date that they had received their booster jab.

The college also held a Q&A session on Thursday (13/1) with the Senior Tutor and Assistant Senior Tutor to discuss the situation with Covid and returning for Lent.

Robinson, Medwards and Caius have also reiterated that domestic students should take a lateral flow test 3-4 days before arriving, and on the day of travel, and to only return if they test negative. 

They also told students to take a PCR test within four days of their return, either as part of the Asymptomatic Covid-19 Screening Programme, or by completing an individual ‘Return to Cambridge’ test.  

This comes after a university wide email sent last week (7/1) told students to do this.

International students have received separate guidance. As of last Friday (7/1), fully vaccinated international students will not need to take a Covid test before arriving, nor will they have to quarantine upon arrival. From last Sunday (9/1), they can also take a LFT instead of a PCR within two days of arriving in England.

International students who have not been vaccinated, or have not received an approved vaccine, will still have to self-isolate on arrival.