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Infectious Illness & COVID-19

Last updated 13 December 2023 10:41

Protecting yourself and others from infectious illness

Here at the University of Leeds, the University community remains aware of the risk that COVID-19 and other infectious illnesses present, and asks that attendees and staff continue to take a community-focused and responsible approach to controlling the spread of infectious illnesses.

Therefore, we ask that if you have symptoms of COVID-19 – or any other infectious illness such as a cold, flu, or stomach bug – that you do not attend the IMC. In these circumstances, we will do our best to facilitate virtual participation in line with our Registration Terms & Conditions.

We advise that delegates keep safe and reduce the risk of catching and passing flu, colds or infectious illness by:

  • Staying at home if you are unwell
  • Washing your hands regularly
  • Getting vaccinated

We recognise that individuals may choose to take certain precautions, such as wearing a face covering. In line with our Policy on Dignity and Mutual Respect, we ask that all attendees are mindful and considerate of the needs of others.

Please note that, since COVID-19 testing is no longer freely available in England, it will be individual delegates’ responsibility to undertake such testing, should they wish and be able to do so.

We will continue to work with colleagues across the University to ensure that the IMC complies with evolving best practice for facilitating large international events in line with the current UK government guidance.

If you have any concerns about your participation as an in-person delegate, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMC team by emailing imc@leeds.ac.uk.

University of Leeds guidance on protecting yourself from infectious illness may be found here.

UK Government information regarding COVID-19 may be found here.

Travel to Leeds for In-Person Participation

At time of writing, there are no restrictions or requirements for people entering the UK. However, this may change at any time. We advise all delegates to review  the detailed information on international travel into England available on the Government website here before travelling. It is vital that you review this information regularly and ensure you have the most up-to-date information to be able to adhere to any rules in force at the time of travel. 

The government may, at any time, introduce rules for entry to the UK either based on approved vaccination status, whether the traveller has stayed or travelled through a 'red list' country prior to arrival, or some other conditions. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to check regularly what the rules are for arrivals for the country you will be traveling from (plus any countries visited or travelled through prior to arrival in the UK) at the time of travel.

Remote (Virtual) Participation

In late May 2024, we will be publishing the final edition of the IMC 2024 Programme which will indicate where sessions are hybrid and those where all participants are taking part remotely. At time of writing, over 90% of speakers have indicated they will be attending in-person.

The deadline for switching mode of participation is Friday 03 May, 23:59 (BST). If you have already registered and wish to switch modes, please consult our Registration Terms & Conditions for full details.