Hello all,

With the Government removing legal restrictions on Monday, we thought we would clarify our position on COVID policies and procedures for the foreseeable future.

As Charlie Jefferies outlined in his 'Our journey out of lockdown' email, consideration for our colleagues is the most important thing. Some of your colleagues may be keen to return to 'normal', whilst others may be anxious about the easing of restrictions. We strongly encourage you to continue wearing a mask wherever possible around the building and in common areas at YNiC.

For operators of all modalities, please be aware that mask wearing is still mandatory whilst dealing with participants and in the entire research corridor. This is alongside the PPE we have been wearing for this last year.

Please make your participants aware, particularly now, that refusal to wear a mask in the building is a contraindication to participation in your study, just like a pacemaker or metallic implants would be.

Those who have assigned desks at YNiC can continue to come in as usual.

If you have been working remotely, and need to come in for a specific reason (ie to test a stimuli script, analysis that cannot be done on remote access etc), can request to do this through support@ynic.york.ac.uk . You will be asked to come in through reception, and have your temperature taken, before coming in to open plan.

We understand that this has been a frustrating year for students and that they have missed out on the opportunity to collaborate and work in YNiC as the cohorts before them did. We have allocated a group workspace in a section of open plan which can be booked for four hour slots from Tuesday to Friday. Please email support@ynic.york.ac.uk to book a slot.

We understand that this is a frustrating and difficult time, and that many of you will have wanted us to remove more COVID procedures, whilst others would want us to be more strict. We hope this clarifies what our position is for now, as we look towards a more 'normal' future.

Best wishes

Becky