22nd Biennial New Chaucer Society Congress
Durham, 11th–14th July 2022
Covid-19 and staying safe at the NCS Congress (Statement from the NCS)
At the time of writing, there are practically no mandatory Covid restrictions in England. The national advice (https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus) is to get vaccinated, to allow as much fresh air as possible for indoor meetings, and to consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces.
At the NCS Congress in Durham, rooms have air-quality monitors, there are heightened cleaning and sanitation regimes, and you will find cleaning materials at every lectern, which you are urged to use before and after presenting. NCS will provide a number of Lateral Flow Tests for delegates which can be used if delegates wish to self-test. We would like to ask delegates to be thoughtful about giving people plenty of personal space.
As many events at the Congress will take place in indoor spaces with a significant number of people, where possible we recommend delegates wear a mask if they are able.
At the time of writing, delegates do not need to test to come into the UK and there is no quarantine period.
Some delegates may require a Covid test to return to their home destination (usually called a ‘Fit to Fly’ test). Re-entry regulations are different for each country; please carefully review the regulations of your own destination. Covid testing is a private service in the UK, and the price can vary greatly, from about £15 to about £150. The national pharmacy chain Boots offers an in-store testing service with various options (Boots has a branch in central Durham; prior booking necessary) but delegates may prefer to arrive early at the airport and take their test there -Newcastle Airport, Manchester Airport, and London Heathrow Airport are all offering rapid tests on-site.
You may wish to check that your travel insurance or your employing institution’s insurance will cover you for Covid-related delays."