Students will need to book social spaces for before or after lectures

These spaces will be made available for “brief periods” throughout the day between classes

In an email to students today, College has announced that extra social spaces for students are to be made available when classes resume on September 28.

Students were told that these social spaces will only be available for use for brief periods during the day before or after lectures and other teaching events, such as for eating lunch. 

College claimed to be “working together” with members of Trinity College Dublin’s Students’ Union (TCDSU) and the Trinity College Dublin’s Graduate Students’ Union (TCDGSU).

College claimed they are “preparing the logistics for these spaces”, as College resumes in a little over a month, after being closed since March 12.

College was originally closed for two weeks in March, when government announced the closure of all schools and colleges to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Schools and colleges have remained closed since.

 

Students were informed in the email today that these spaces will be bookable in advance, to ensure no overcrowding in social areas. 

College explained that students’ details will be logged, “to assist with contact tracing should the need arise”.  

The spaces will be used by “pods” of students that are in the same course/School, to minimise the risk of virus transmission through widespread and prolonged contact.

 

College also announced that Student ambassadors will be present to check bookings and to monitor the areas, to ensure that the areas are evacuated in time for the next slot, and to allow for the spaces to be adequately cleaned. 

College stated that “all of this is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students”.

In an email to students last week, College made a commitment to sending “weekly updates” to students, regarding the evolving Covid-19 pandemic. 

Previously, College confirmed that face coverings will be mandatory for all students while on campus, including in class, in the Library and in any internal public spaces. 

Staff have been advised to instead wear visors where possible, to reduce the impact on communication. 

College confirmed today that Estates and Facilities are in contact with schools in relation to face coverings for staff, and will be supplying individual hand sanitiser bottles and refill stations throughout the campus for staff and students alike. 

The Students’ Union shop in House 6 will be selling face coverings at cost price.

Shannon Connolly

Shannon Connolly is the Editor-in-Chief of the 69th volume Trinity News, and a Senior Sophister student of English Literature and Philosophy. She previously served as Deputy Editor, News Editor and Assistant News Editor.