Following the government's U-turn on the vaccine passports scheme, we've updated our entry requirements for events at the Union Venue and Founder's South Quad.
In case you’re not already aware, the government performed a U-turn yesterday regarding the scheme for vaccine passports that was set to be implemented from the end of September.
Up until yesterday, anyone attending events at the Union Venue and Founder’s South Quad would have been required to show proof of receiving two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
As promised when announcing our plans for reopening our venues in September, we were always open to scaling back this requirement if government policy changed.
As a result of yesterday’s announcement, we've been reviewing our entry requirements and can now announce some changes that will be implemented with immediate effect.
To be admitted to our events at either the Union Venue or Founder’s South Quad, you will need to show proof of one of the below, preferably via the NHS COVID Pass:
DOUBLE VACCINATION - you received your second COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 whole days ago (or 14 whole days after one dose of the Janssen vaccine).
or
NEGATIVE TEST - a negative lateral flow or PCR test taken in the 48 hours prior to the event.
or
NATURAL IMMUNITY - evidenced by a positive PCR test result for COVID-19, lasting for 180 days from the date of the positive test and following completion of the self-isolation period.
If you live, or were vaccinated in, an overseas country, we will also be accepting EU (EU Digital COVID Certificate) and USA (CDC card) vaccine certificates.
NHS COVID Pass
An NHS COVID Pass shows your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination details or test results.
You can get a digital version using the NHS App or using the online NHS COVID Pass service. You can download it as a PDF or get it sent to you in an email.
Please note, the COVID-19 vaccination card that you receive after your vaccine is not considered acceptable proof of vaccination.
Find out more
If you are unable to use the NHS COVID Pass, or either of the additional certificates listed above, you will need to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test, reported and demonstrated via a text message or email from the NHS self-report tool. The test needs to be taken in the 48 hours prior to the event.
Our decision to implement a negative lateral flow test as a minimum entry requirement has been taken in line with the College’s approach to testing where all students are expected to take part in twice-weekly lateral flow testing while on campus. We are committed to playing our part in helping to control the spread of COVID-19 and we encourage all students to engage with this process to help keep you, other students, and the wider campus community safe.
Testing on campus
From Wednesday 15 September, lateral flow testing will be available (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm) from the asymptomatic testing site situated at The Hub. There's no need to book a testing slot, you can just drop-in whenever it's convenient for you. Alternatively, you can use a home test kit that can be ordered from the NHS.
Individual tickets
Following the government announcement, we took the decision to delay the release of individual event tickets so that we had time to review the latest update and communicate our position to you.
To enable enough time for you to read this update and sort out arrangements, we will be putting all individual tickets on general sale at 10am tomorrow (Tuesday 14 September).
A limited amount of tickets will be available on the door but the only way to guarantee entry is to purchase a ticket in advance.
Freshers’ Festival wristbands have now sold out and there will be no further wristbands released.
If you have any questions regarding this update, please email marketing@su.rhul.ac.uk.