Coronavirus (COVID-19) and self-isolation
Guidance for residents
Any one arriving from a country outside of the UK is required to self-isolate for 14 days, unless you are from one of the countries listed on the UK Government’s travel corridor.
It is important that you check the latest information upon arrival into the UK as the countries listed change from time to time – if you are unsure a member of our team will be able to help you.
iQ has continued to support our residents throughout the pandemic, and will continue to do all we can to create safe, welcoming homes.
We have adapted our service to meet the changing needs of residents. We have moved to a zero contact parcel service which includes delivering packages to rooms of those self-isolating; enhancing our iQ app so you can manage your stay digitally, and order items such as bedding packs, cleaning and laundry services; as well as assisting with food deliveries to rooms.
We’re always looking at ways to improve and better understand how we can support those who have chosen iQ as their home. We have outlined some important information about the LEGAL requirement to self-isolate below.
Getting to your iQ location
Before entering the UK and upon arrival you will be required to:
- Complete a form online with your contact and travel details and show your form when you arrive at the airport. The UK Government will use this information to contact you if you, or someone you’ve travelled with, develops coronavirus symptoms, and to check that you’re self-isolating for the first 14 days.
- Go straight to the place where you will self-isolate. Friends or family can collect you from the airport, port or station. You should only use public transport if you have no other option. If you do use public transport, wear a face covering and stay 2 metres apart from others.
iQ offers airport transfers through our services partner Pinglocker, which can be booked through your iQ app – just click on the arrival products and services icon.
Once you arrive at your accommodation, staff will provide you with the keys to your room. You should not leave your room or flat for 14 days if you are arriving from a country outside of the UK’s travel corridor list. There are some exceptional circumstances that apply and for which you can leave, this includes if you:
- require urgent medical treatment
- need support from social services
- need to get food and medicine and cannot get them delivered, or get a friend or family member to bring them
- are going to the funeral of a close relative, or for other compassionate reasons
- need to leave the building because there is an emergency, for example there’s a fire at the place you’re staying.
You may be fined £100 if you refuse to provide your contact details, £1,000 if you refuse to self-isolate in England and Wales, or you could face further action.
In Scotland you may be fined £60 for not completing arrivals forms and if you do not self-isolate you may be fined £480 increasing to £5,000 for repeatedly breaking the rules.
Living at iQ during the first 14 days
Residents should feel comfortable and able to relax in the comfort of their new home. To keep everyone safe, there are some basic recommendations that those self-isolating should follow, both in line with government guidance and as a precaution of shared accommodation.
We recommend you tell your flatmates/neighbours that you are self-isolating so that you have the support you need, and everyone feels safe and respected in their home.
Residents can use the shared facilities within their flat but please avoid face to face contact with flatmates during the self-isolation period.
During your self-isolation period, you must not leave your own room or studio. The only exceptions being:
- To evacuate the building in an emergency, such as a fire alarm.
- To smoke in the designated outdoor areas, for short periods only.
In both instances you must physically distance yourself from others.
Do not use common areas.
Do not visit Reception, please contact iQ staff via the app, or give us a ring.
To dispose of waste, please double-bag it and leave the bag outside your door. Notify your team and they will collect it.
If you are in a cluster flat:
- If you need to use a shared kitchen, you should do this at a time when no other people are present. If this is not possible, please maintain a physical distance from others.
- Make sure you clean any surfaces you have touched thoroughly, before and after use. Take your food back to your room to eat.
Support during the isolation period
iQ has a number of virtual events, and clubs for you to enjoy and keep you connected while you are self-isolating. Head over to iQ Life to find out about all the great things that you can be part of.
iQ is working in partnership with Pinglocker to provide essentials packs such as PPE, bedding and kitchen items. These can be purchased through your iQ app.
It’s a good idea to identify an iQ neighbour who could help support you during your self-isolation. This person can pick up parcels or sign for grocery shopping.
Should you not have anyone to support you, then iQ will assist with:
- collection of parcels
- receiving grocery shopping
- periodically taking out refuse
- emergency repairs and maintenance
If you need any support, please let us know how we can help during this period of self-isolation. Once you no longer have to self-isolate, we’ll ask you to collect parcels and deliveries, and take out refuse as you would normally be expected to.
Remember, iQ staff or security are available 24/7 for your assistance and safety. If you need anything, please contact us via the iQ app, or call your local iQ team https://www.iqstudentaccommodation.com/contact-us
If you need any mental health support
SHOUT is a free, confidential, 24/7 support text line. The service is confidential and can be accessed anywhere, at any time. Simply text “SHOUT” to 85258 to have a conversation with one of their trained volunteers.