We know that this is a worrying time for students and particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. We want to support you at this time.
It is generally recognised that if individuals have any of the following medical conditions, then there is a higher probability of a significant impact were they to contract Covid-19:
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems may also be at risk of being impacted more significantly, including the following:
• People on high dose oral steroids, and those who have very recently finished a long term course of high dose oral steroids
• People who are undergoing treatment for cancer and those who have recently undergone treatment for cancer
• People who are on or who have recently completed treatment with a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) – e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease plus several more auto immune disorders.
• People who are caring for others with weakened immune systems.
You may be aware of other conditions (not on this list) that you have which may place you at increased risk.
Advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies pregnant women as being potentially susceptible, as is the case for the normal seasonal flu virus.
If any of the above applies to you, or if you have other conditions that could put you at risk of more significant impact, and you are concerned about attending College, then you must contact the Learner Journey Team. Please inform them of your status and reasons for not attending. You will be expected at this stage to provide medical evidence of any condition.
You should access learning materials via BlackBoard (Course Resources). Please note that at this stage we are not asking staff to make available any extra resources on Blackboard other than those that are normally provided.
We are aware that some students might feel that it is not safe to attend College at the moment. We understand that students are justifiably concerned about coronavirus but please be assured that the College continues to follow all national advice from PHE and you can continue to attend as normal.
If you are self-isolating following advise from NHS111 or your GP, please email phconcerns@blc.ac.uk.