YUSU have provided fresh air zones for all self-isolating students on campus, with plans to also turn the marquees in Market Square, and at the Piazza into outdoor venues.
The outdoor venues will be available between 12 and 10pm. Students can drop in between 12 and 6pm, and they can book tables between 6 and 10pm.
It is not yet known what these venues will look like.
As students are continuing to have to self-isolate on campus, it has been confirmed that designated fresh air zones have been established near University accommodation blocks. They have been designed to ensure that students have access to outdoor space.
YUSU President Patrick O’Donnell told Vision: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make use of all our wonderful green space on campus, to ensure that isolating students can get fresh air and are able to essentially use these as back gardens.”
“This is something that I pushed the University to do, to ensure the wellbeing of all students living on campus who may have to self-isolate.”
According to the self-isolation guidance webpage for students, these fresh air zones are available to be booked “24/7”, with slots limited to one hour each. Students must book zones either individually, or with other members of their household.
O’Donnell also confirmed that “the University has worked very closely with regional Public Health Officials over the last few weeks to ensure that these spaces operate safely.”
“All students are required to book these spaces via their College before using them, and to adhere to Government guidelines to ensure that we can all stay safe.”
In addition to this, efforts are being made to increase the amount of outdoor seating venues across campus, given Tier 2 restrictions banning the mixing of households indoors.
This includes turning the marquees in Market Square, and at the Piazza into outdoor venues.