Remember to download the COVID Tracker App and make a plan with your housemates about the safest way to self-isolate and restricted movements

As Ireland is moving into Level 5, the following restrictions are in place:

Social:

• No visits to peoples’ homes or gardens
• It is possible to meet with one other household in an outdoor setting which is not a home or garden, such as a park, including for exercise
• Those who live alone can form a “support bubble” with one other household
• No indoor or outdoor gatherings can take place

University: 

• UCC will continue to provide online learning
• Scheduled access to libraries and other onsite study space for those students who do not otherwise have suitable facilities or home environment to access learning remotely
• On-campus research activities which cannot be undertaken remotely can take place

Retail and Dining:

• Essential retail will remain open with mandatory face coverings
• Bars, cafes, restaurants and wet pubs may provide take-away and delivery services only (we urge you all to support local Cork businesses if you can)

Work:

• You must work from home unless you are providing an essential service that needs your physical presence. Talk to your employer about a “Work From Home” allowance that you can avail of.
• If you have been made unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions, you can avail of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (apply here)
• Public transport capacity is reduced to 25% capacity for the purposes of allowing those providing essential services to get to work and other essential travel

Sport:

• The Mardyke Gym, and all other gyms will be closed
• No training or matches should take place, with the following exceptions: 
• professional, elite sports and inter-county Gaelic games, horse-racing and greyhound racing are permitted to continue behind closed doors
• All other training activities should be individual only.
• You are only permitted to exercise within a radius of 5 km of your home (You can use this website to see your 5km radius)

We know that this is a challenging time for students, and we encourage all those who are struggling to reach out for support.

• Text ‘UCC’ to 50808 to talk to someone 24/7 free of charge.
• Contact Samaritans at 116 123 to speak to a non-judgemental trained volunteer 24/7 free of charge
• Contact Pieta House by ringing 1800 247 247 or text ‘Help’ to 51444
• Contact Jigsaw by ringing +353 1 472 7010
• Reach out to our UCCSU Welfare Officer, Jamie, by emailing welfare@uccsu.ie or getting in touch at 086 184 2697
• Contact UCC Student Health at +353 (0)21 4902311

Students staying in UCC Campus Accommodation who wish to continue living in their student accommodation may do so.

Students staying in UCC Campus Accommodation who wish to return to their family homes can avail of a rent refund.

UCCSU is in discussions with private accommodation providers and urge them to be lenient and offer students who wish to return home rent refunds at this time.

UCCSU is calling for governmental support in drafting legislation that protects student renters during the pandemic and long term.