Return to Campus

1.1 Where can I find information for staff about what to do if diagnosed with COVID-19, self-isolating or restricting movements?

The COVID-19 Staff information Hub managed by HR provides this information. You will find information about what to do here.

1.2 Where can I find information about returning to the workplace?

The COVID-19 Staff information Hub managed by HR provides information about what to do if returning to the workplace. You will find information about what to do here.

1.3 Where can I find information about vaccines?

The COVID-19 Staff information Hub managed by HR provides information about vaccines. You will find information about this here.

1.4 What happens if I have an ordinary illness other than COVID-19?

The COVID-19 Staff information Hub managed by HR provides information about ordinary illness. You will find information about what to do here.

1.5 As a manager, what should I be aware of?

The COVID-19 Staff information Hub managed by HR provides information that managers should be aware of. You will find information for managers here.

2.1 Is ventilation important?

Yes, it helps to prevent the transmission of Covid-19. Air circulation caused by ventilation results in exhaled air falling to the ground faster and reduces the risk of this air being inhaled by someone else. Ventilation helps to reduce smaller aerosols, which may linger in the air otherwise.

2.2 What type of ventilation does Trinity have?

Trinity has 2 types of ventilation - mechanical and natural, with a combination of both mechanical and natural ventilation operating in some rooms.

Mechanical Ventilation
This is where air is introduced into a space via the use of an air handling system. Larger teaching spaces, labs, lecture theatres, rooms for smaller workshops and bathrooms are generally mechanically ventilated, with supply and /or extract grilles fitted to the ceiling or walls.

Trinity’s mechanical ventilation systems operate on a full fresh air supply, with no recirculation of used air, i.e. fresh air is pumped from outside the building into the space, and is then extracted and vented without being recirculated to a breathing zone in another space.

Some older air supply systems which recirculated a small proportion of extract / used air have been modified and adjusted to now supply full fresh air only.

Whilst there is variation as to how different systems work depending on their age and set up, it is important to note that ‘used air’ is not actively recirculated between the breathing areas of different working areas within Trinity’s buildings.

A small number of spaces in Trinity are fitted with locally controlled air conditioning units. These can be recognised visually as large units mounted on ceilings or walls. These units generally work in conjunction with supply of fresh air and local recirculation to warm or cool this air to ensure comfort. But are constantly displaced with fresh air.

Queries about ventilation should be directed to Estates and Facilities by contacting Estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie

Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation is where fresh air is introduced into a space via an open window and in some cases open doors.

This kind of ventilation is typically found in smaller teaching spaces.

If you encounter issues with window openings, please contact Estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie identifying the room in question and a member of the team will follow up.

2.3 What is Trinity doing to ensure ventilation standards are met?

Teaching spaces are continuously reviewed by Estates and Facilities to determine the type and extent of ventilation standards in different spaces.

Mechanical Ventilation
All mechanically ventilated teaching spaces on CMIS have been assessed for their capacity to provide adequate ventilation in line with REHVA Covid 19 guidance. You can find the ‘Master Ventilation Document’ which outlines these here.

Systems have been set to run at a higher rate (i.e. introduce more fresh air than usual) for longer periods than would normally be the case, both starting earlier in the day and running for longer periods in the evening where this is appropriate. Any systems with the potential for air recirculation between spaces have been set up to provide fresh air supply only (i.e. 100% of air supplied is drawn from outside of the building).

Any rooms not in compliance with these guidelines have been modified to improve ventilation, have had their capacity reduced or have been removed from use as a classroom. Where the ventilation of spaces has been modified, this has been revalidated within the space and where necessary external guidance and advice has been sought.

It should be noted that as ventilation rates are increased it is likely that there may be additional noise in rooms.
Estates and Facilities will inform members of staff if a teaching space is to be removed from use for maintenance or other reasons and alternative arrangements will be put in place.

Mechanical ventilation systems have been set up to provide an optimum supply of fresh air.

Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation depends on the use of windows and/or doors. Estates and Facilities are continuing to assess naturally ventilated teaching space to ensure that there are openable windows present in every such space and that such windows are working correctly to allow for adequate ventilation.

If you do encounter issues with window openings, please contact Estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie identifying the room in question and a member of the team will follow up.

In all teaching spaces that are naturally ventilated, CO2 monitors have been installed so that staff can check in real time an indication of the level of ventilation in the space. See 4.6 for more info on this.

To see a list of rooms designated as naturally ventilated spaces, please visit the ‘Master Ventilation Document’ here.

Note
In order to allow time for air to be refreshed in naturally ventilated teaching spaces, and to ensure that there is reduced potential for crossover of students and staff in between teaching sessions, we must insist on teaching finishing on time and kept to 50mins duration, as agreed by the COLSAG committee.

This reduces the risk of poor air quality accumulating during the day. In naturally ventilated rooms, at all times, windows should be opened to maintain the supply of fresh air to naturally ventilated rooms.

2.4 Who can I contact to check if my teaching space has been checked for meeting ventilation standards?

Rooms that have been checked for meeting REHVA ventilation standards have a notice placed outside the doors informing users of this. You can also see a list of the mechanically ventilated rooms that have been checked by reviewing the ‘Master Ventilation Document’ here.

If the room you are expected to teach in does not have a ventilation notice placed outside the door, please contact Estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie cc’ing ReturnToCampus@tcd.ie identifying the room in question so that we can follow up directly with you.

2.5 Are Trinity providing CO2 monitors for teaching spaces?

CO2 monitors have been installed in all teaching spaces that are on CMIS and that we are aware of. You can find a list of teaching spaces that have CO2 monitors installed by visiting the ‘Master Ventilation Document’ here.

A notice with information about how the CO2 monitors work, is placed on the lectern or beside the light switch (if there is no lectern in the relevant rooms) in the spaces where CO2 monitors are introduced. You can find a copy of that notice in 4.7 below.

If you have a query about CO2 monitors, please email Estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie and copy ReturnToCampus@tcd.ie

In 2.6 below, some information about how CO2 monitors work is provided which you may find useful.

2.6 Information on CO2 Monitors

The use of CO2 monitors can provide a useful general indication that areas/rooms may not be adequately ventilated. In general, the lower the reading the better the ventilation in the room. It should be noted that CO2 levels are in no way linked to Covid-19 levels in a space. The CO2 level is an indicator of the rate of ventilation / air exchange within a space.

Both the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers and the Air infiltration and Ventilation Centre advise that CO2 concentrations above 1400 – 1500 ppm are likely to be indicative of poor ventilation (CIBSE, 2020, AIVC, 2021) and therefore require ventilation to be increased by opening windows, doors etc. where possible.

The monitor gives a digital reading but also has an LED display that changes colour like a traffic light. They have pre-set specific bands operating in a “traffic-light style”.

The lower the CO2 reading the higher the level of ventilation present in multi occupancy rooms and the higher the ventilation dilution effect that is possible while maintaining an appropriate balance between ventilation and comfort levels.

Trinity’s monitors are set to alarm at 1000ppm, a lower level than indicative poor ventilation and lower than the 1400ppm specified by the Health & Safety Authority.

The monitor can provide information to occupants to indicate levels of poor ventilation and therefore require ventilation to be increased by opening windows, doors etc.

2.7 What actions should I take based on the CO2 monitor reading?

The monitor can provide information to occupants to indicate levels of poor ventilation and therefore require ventilation to be increased by opening windows, doors etc.

The monitor has an LED display that changes colour like a traffic light. They have pre-set specific bands operating in a “traffic-light style” The lower the CO2 reading the higher the level of ventilation present in multi occupancy rooms. As stated by the HSA, CO2 concentrations above 1400-1500 ppm are likely to be indicative of poor ventilation.

The chart below outlines a traffic light system, Green, Amber and Red and what action should be taken:

Please follow the “Action to be taken” as outlined above

2.8 How can I improve ventilation in my room?

In naturally ventilated spaces:

1. Ensure that all windows are opened fully and doors are also opened where practical. This may result in a reduced temperature in some spaces.
2. After leaving a naturally ventilated space, please ensure that all windows and doors are open so air can continue circulating.

If you encounter any issues with window openings, please contact Estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie identifying the room in question and a member of the team will follow up.

In 100% mechanically ventilated spaces, there is no need to open any windows or doors, as the ventilation provided by the system is sufficient to achieve adequate air quality for the room capacities outlined in the ‘Master Ventilation Document’ here.

2.9 How are communal areas ventilated?

Most corridors and access spaces rely on natural ventilation. Where there are windows in these spaces these should be opened where possible.

In a small number of instances, these spaces are mechanically ventilated where fresh air is supplied into the space.

Doors to corridors should be left open where possible, however it is important not to prop open any fire doors, as this would contravene fire regulations.

2.10 Has Trinity installed CO2 monitors in all teaching spaces?

Due to issues around supply, CO2 monitors were previously prioritised for installation in naturally ventilated spaces first. The reason for prioritising naturally ventilated spaces is that the mechanically ventilated spaces have all been tested for meeting REHVA ventilation guidelines and have verified capacity levels where ventilation is deemed to be at good levels. You can find the verified capacity levels by visiting the ‘Master Ventilation Document’ here.

As you can see in the Master Ventilation Document, Trinity has now rolled out a CO2 monitor in all teaching spaces that are on CMIS and that we are aware of.

2.11 Are Trinity going to install CO2 monitors in other spaces?

There is a very real issue with supply of CO2 monitors as all sectors of society are trying to secure them. Teaching spaces were prioritised by Trinity in the first instance because this is where the largest amount of people congregating takes place. 

As supply increases, Trinity is committed to rolling out CO2 monitors in other areas across College where there is high density of people spending time (e.g. in shared office spaces with 10 or more people).

In the meantime, staff are advised to continue working from home, wherever this is possible, and this should reduce the number of staff members working in high density shared office spaces.

2.12 Why is it important that teaching finishes at 10 minutes to the hour?

In order to allow time for air to be refreshed, and to ensure that there is reduced potential for crossover of students and staff in between teaching sessions, we must insist on teaching finishing on time and kept to 50mins duration, as agreed by the COLSAG committee. This reduces the risk of poor air quality accumulating during the day.

In naturally ventilated rooms, at all times, windows should be opened to maintain the supply of fresh air to naturally ventilated rooms.

2.13 Who can I contact about ventilation queries?

If you have questions about ventilation, please contact Estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie and cc ReturnToCampus@tcd.ie into your email.

2.14 Some Information about HEPA Filters

HEPA filters are not required if the mechanical ventilation present within a particular space meets the RHEVA guidelines (Installation of HEPA filters to existing mechanical ventilation plant would require significant re-engineering of systems that are currently meeting REHVA guidelines).

If only natural ventilation is present, opening windows is the first response, where this is not sufficient air filters can supplement this. Portable air cleaner/purifiers contain HEPA filters and are used as a mitigating measure to assist where spaces are naturally ventilated. These units have limited capabilities before noise becomes an issue and because the airflow through air cleaners
is limited, the floor area they can serve is usually quite small.

If air cleaners are used in large spaces, they need to be placed close to people in a space and should not be placed in the corner and out of sight. Therefore, air cleaners are only useful as a short term mitigation measure, but in the longer run, ventilation system improvements to achieve adequate outdoor air ventilation rates are needed.

CO2 monitors remain in all teaching spaces to monitor levels of CO2 present within the area.

1.1 How can I get help from Academic Registry?

You can contact the Service Desk by one of the following methods:

• Our Watts Building Service Desk is open to limited walk-ins Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
• Via phone - the service desk is contactable on (+353) 01 896 4500, Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
• To log an enquiry, current students should go to ASK.TCD.IE
• Other enquirers should send an email to academic.registry@tcd.ie
• Via Webchat

1.2 Which vaccines are approved in Ireland?

See list of approved Vaccinations in EU/ Ireland. Please note that this list may be updated at short notice, and it is students’ individual responsibility to keep up to date.

1.3 Do all students have to wear a face covering on campus? 

Face coverings are no longer compulsory in Trinity, apart from in health care settings. This is in line with the most recent public health advice and the Government’s decision. However, to continue protecting each other, especially the medically vulnerable, we still recommend mask wearing in our lecture theatres, libraries, tutorials, labs and shared office spaces.

2.1 Immigration FAQs

Please find the full list of immigration FAQ's here.

3.1 Where can I find the latest information on COVID-19 and Government restrictions?

Government of Ireland Information found here:
 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3361b-public-health-updates/

HSE COVID-19 Information found here https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

Restricted Movements information found here: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/managing-coronavirus-at-home/if-you-live-with-someone-who-has-coronavirus.html

Please note all residents are asked to review FAQ's regularly, please do not hesitate to contact the Residences team via email residences@tcd.ie or Trinity.Hall@tcd.ie should you have queries at any time. 

Please note if you have symptoms of COVID-19, are deemed a close contact or test positive for COVID-19 please inform the Residences Team on 01 896 1177 or via email residences@tcd.ie.
If you live in Trinity Hall please contact reception on 01-896 8024 (staffed 24/7).

If you require medical assistance, please contact the TCD Student Health Centre details available here: www.tcd.ie/collegehealth or telephone 01 8961591 or 01 8961556

3.2 What does the term "Restricted Movement" mean?

Restricting your movements means avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible. For more information on guidelines regarding how to conduct yourself while on campus please check the HSE - Guidelines to COVID-19.
Guidance will be made available to you on or prior to arrival on how to manage this whilst sharing your kitchen, or where your apartment has shared bathroom facilities.

3.3 Can I have guests or a gathering in my apartment or visit another apartment in Residences?

Yes. Subject to standard approvals. Please contact your Accommodation Office for details.

3.4 Am I allowed overnight guests?

Yes. Subject to standard approvals. Please contact your Accommodation Office for details.

3.5 What if I test positive for Covid-19 while living in campus residences?

As per current Irish Government public health guidelines anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be required to quarantine/self-isolate. As per Irish government public health guidelines you are required to  quarantine/self-isolate in your own allocated bedroom in your own allocated apartment. Click here for more information from the National Irish Health Service on how to do this.  

Where a positive case of COVID-19 arises, University supports, such as Health and Counselling, will be provided and HSE guidelines will be adhered to.

3.6 What happens if my house mate tests positive for Covid-19?

You must follow the prevailing Irish Government Public Health Guidelines if you are a close contact of anyone who tests positive for Covid-19. Shared apartments are treated as households in this situation. Further information on the HSE antigen testing service for close contacts is available here.

3.7 Where can I find out more information about accommodation?

Please see: Frequently Asked Questions - Student Accommodation (tcd.ie)

3.8 What should I do if I am sick?

Stay at home if you have COVID-19 symptoms. There has been a surge in positive cases, as you will have seen in media reports. This re-emphasises the message that we all have a personal responsibility to adhere to public health advice, keep on wearing face coverings inside, and not to come onto campus if you are COVID-19 symptomatic.

If we don’t take prompt action when we have COVID-19 symptoms – by staying at home and getting a test – we put others at risk. Let’s work together to make this behaviour an essential part of how we protect each other.

3.9 What should I do if I test positive for Covid-19

• Self-isolate and follow the guidance at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/testing/
• If you are resident in Trinity, contact your Accommodation Office.
• If you are a student, you must notify your Course Director.
• If you are a staff member, you must notify your line Manager or Head of School.

4.1 COVID-19 Safety Measures in the Library

Face coverings are no longer compulsory in Trinity, apart from in health care settings. This is in line with the most recent public health advice and the Government’s decision. However, to continue protecting each other, especially the medically vulnerable, we still recommend mask wearing in our lecture theatres, libraries, tutorials, labs and shared office spaces.

Readers are asked to use the COVID Tracker app for contact tracing purposes.

A booking system is in place, at the request of the Graduate Students’ Union, in the 1937 Postgraduate Reading Room. The Joint Research Collections Reading Room will also maintain a booking system for the time being, due to preparatory works for the Old Library Redevelopment Project.

For more details on COVID-19 Safety Measures in the Library, please see our Plan your visit section.

4.2 What are opening hours for the Library?

All of the libraries are open. Full details are online of all opening hours. Also see our Plan your visit section for full range of Library services.

5.1 How do I book an event space on campus for my student event?

To book an event space, students should contact enquiries@tcd.ie who will advise of the necessary details required.

Where possible, the enquiries office should be given 10 working days’ notice before the event date. Event requests submitted within a shorter timeframe are not guaranteed to be approved in time for the event to take place, however best efforts will be made. The key message here is to contact the enquiries office as soon as possible with your event request.

5.2 What events spaces are available to book?

All Student Society Spaces can again be used between Monday and Friday from 10am – 9pm, providing they adhere to the College Regulations. Available Teaching Spaces can again be booked through the enquiries office for extracurricular activities. To facilitate this, all Teaching and non-Teaching bookings must be recorded in CMIS.

6.1 I am a current Trinity student. Where can I get support during this time?

You can find support from your Tutor or Senior Tutor’s office at ST.Office@tcd.ie. Student Counselling is available at student-counselling@tcd.ie while the Chaplains are available at chaplain@tcd.ie

Find information regarding student supports and services.

The Library’s Teaching and Research Support team is available online. They’ve listed a number of supports.

6.2 What college health services are available to me as a Trinity student of staff member?

Emergency GP consultations every day.  Emergency clinics are both morning and afternoon.  You can book a same day emergency appointment by phoning 01 8961556, 018961592 or 01 8968555. 

College Health Nurse Services Include:

·          Contraceptive advice
·          Smears
·          Chlamydia
·          Eye testing for driving
·          Phlebotomy (blood tests)
·          Routine vaccinations
·          Routine injections
·          Emergency contraception
·          Mini Screen ( For those who don't have symptoms and have no history of contact with someone with an STI.

You will be tested for 
·          -HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis (blood tests)
·          -Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea (Swabs and/or urine)

Wednesday Sexual Health Clinics with Doctor and Nurse (We are a satellite clinic of the Sexually Transmitted Infectious Diseases Clinic at St James's Hospital).

This clinic is available for anyone with symptoms or those who feel they are high risk for STI.  

For Physiotherapy appointments please call 01 8961556, 018961592 or 01 8968555 to book. 

6.3 What about help with IT?

Advice on remote learning.

IT services have also provided a new way to chat with them for assistance via webchat. See all the ways to contact them.

7.1 Where can I find information about applying to study in Trinity?

If you are considering applying for a position in Trinity, please visit here for more information on how to do this.

8.1 Where can I find information about student finance matters?

Students can find information relating to Fees and Payments on the webpage Fees & Payments - Academic Registry - Trinity College Dublin (tcd.ie) which is naturally split between Applicants/Current students/ Former students.

For Covid related questions, students can visit –“Covid and my fees” at the end of the page While studying at TCD - Academic Registry - Trinity College Dublin.

1.1 Are face coverings currently mandatory in Trinity?

Face coverings are no longer compulsory in Trinity, apart from in health care settings. This is in line with the most recent public health advice. However, to continue protecting each other, especially the medically vulnerable, we strongly recommend mask wearing in our lecture theatres, libraries, tutorials, labs and shared office spaces.

2.1 What is the UniCoV project – safeguarding our campuses about?

Students and staff are invited to participate in the UniCoV project which is up and running. This pilot surveillance study is assisting in the detection of increased levels of COVID-19 across higher education institutes with the aim of facilitating the safe and sustainable re-opening of campuses. Please see more information here

2.2 What personal precautions should I be taking?

The best way to protect yourself is to practice social distancing (keep a space of 2 metres (6.5 feet) between you and other people where possible), wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Other sensible measures include turning your head away from people when you sneeze, using a tissue or your sleeve and disposing of tissues quickly. Wearing a mask in public places where social distancing is difficult is also recommended.

We realize that it is highly probable that the virus will spread despite all public health measures, and we will offer as much support as possible to any member of the college community that may contract the virus.

Should you have any particular concerns, please contact the HSE hotline on 1850 241850 for further advice.

2.3 Where can I access more health advice in relation to COVID-19?

Please follow advice published on the HSE website. Call HSE Helpline on 1850241850 in relation to risk of contracting the Coronavirus. Callers should press 1 when they are advised for coronavirus guidance. In the case of medical emergency, call 112 or 999.

2.4 I have a medical condition and am concerned about attending Trinity, can I request that all of my course content be provided online?

While students are expected to attend their face-to-face teaching and learning activities some students with underlying medical conditions may request more or all of their course content to be provided online. Students in this position should contact their tutor and the Head of their Department or School. Each request will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the relevant School.