Durham University remains open and is responding to the COVID-19 virus with the health and wellbeing of our community and the communities of which we are part as our first priority.

We are working hard across the University community to prepare for the possible spread of the virus, provide up to date information and advice and offer support as the situation develops.

We are in regular contact with colleagues at Public Health England and other UK universities and we will contact our students and colleagues by email and update the guidance on this webpage as the situation develops.

• Public gatherings of more than two people are banned (unless you are part of the same household);
• People should leave home only to exercise once a day, travel to and from work where "absolutely necessary", shop for essential items and to fulfil any medical or care needs.
• Police and local authorities will have powers to disperse gatherings, including through fines.
• It has been announced today that the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 has been put on hold until further notice following the rapid escalation in the UK’s response to Covid-19.
• We are continuing with the process of closing all Tier 2 and access to Tier 3 buildings will be limited to only essential activities to enable as many colleagues as possible to stay at home. Theses buildings will close by 5pm tomorrow, Wednesday 25 March.

• Work is currently underway to determine which colleagues should be identified as Key Workers going forwards. Colleagues affected by this will be contacted directly by HR.
  

For more information, please read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice

Public Health England – Covid-19 latest information and advice

Communications

We are communicating regularly with staff and students via email. To read previous communications, please click on the links below.