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Nationally and locally, we are seeing high levels of  a²Ô»å , with media reports of increased pressures on healthcare providers and hospitals, and this situation is likely to continue in coming weeks. There are some simple things you can do to help keep yourself and your family and friends healthy.Ìý

• Stay home if you are unwell, especially if you have a fever or are experiencing diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Get in touch with your programme team or supervisor, if this will affect your studies or research 
• If you have no other option and have to come onto campus while unwell or symptomatic, please try and wear a face covering if possible, to help keep other students and staff safe
• If you are feeling under the weather, consider wearing a face covering when indoors or on public transport and close to others who you don’t usually come into contact with 
• Wash your hands regularly to avoid transferring any germs to your flatmates or others on your course 
• Make sure you are up to date with vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19. You can see which ones you may be eligible for on the .Ìý

If you are out and about during these shorter, winter days, think about taking well-lit routes and making yourself visible, especially if you are travelling by bike. You can find some tips and advice around keeping safe at this time of year on our website.Ìý

While the weather may have turned milder at the moment, during the winter months, occasional disruption to services such as power, water and communications can happen, as experienced in , which lost power in December due to heavy snowfall. This is a rare occurrence across our local area, but it is good to be prepared, just in case.Ìý

Here are a few things you can do: 

1. Make sure you have a torch (with batteries), warm clothes and/or a blanket, some non-perishable snacks and water. Do not use candles in the event of a power outage.Ìý
2. Keep your mobile phone charged and make a note of key telephone numbers for support in an emergency, for example:  
   • BU’s emergency number - 01202 962222  
   • 999 - police, ambulance or fire brigade in an emergency 
   • 101 – non-emergency help from the police   
   • 111 - non-emergency help from the NHS  
   • Other useful numbers to save are for your landlord or halls’ team 
3. Subscribe to BU’s social media channels. We use these to post details of any incidences which might affect students or staff and in the event of a power cut or loss of another service, will share details of support via these channels 
4. Make sure you have contact details for friends and neighbours, so you can check they are OK or if they need any support.Ìý

BU also has plans for any potential loss of services to any of our campuses or to the wider local area and will be on hand to provide support.Ìý