The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) has now taken a back seat on issuing guidelines for what activity can and can’t happen in this pandemic, and Trinity has responded with cautious optimism.
The decision to retain social distancing in lectures – albeit at one metre instead of two – is probably more conservative than what students had hoped for, but from September, students will finally be able to come to campus freely, without an (often bogus) library booking. Trinity has acknowledged that the pandemic is not over, but it is time to put a greater focus on College life, even as high numbers of cases remain.
This time last year, Trinity’s and the Department of Higher Education’s response to changing case numbers was woeful. Students were guaranteed at least some in-person teaching but ultimately, most spent the entire year attending classes virtually. But the sector is better prepared now, and while vaccines have not spelled the eradication of the virus from our shores, it has allowed Ireland to map a proper path out of lockdown.
This Editorial Board recently criticised College’s poor handling of lecture timetables with regard to in-person and online lectures. Indeed, the decision to slowly re-open campus was itself painfully stalled – students have spent the whole summer in the dark as to what they will be permitted to do in College, and have been unable to plan their year as a result.
But this gradual return to normality is the right one – the coronavirus is still very much with us and we are not yet at the peak of the current wave of cases. Many students in University College Dublin (UCD) will be pleased at their institution’s decision to go full steam ahead with in-person teaching, but in the current climate it’s difficult to see that happen with no hitches and at best it is a big gamble.
Trinity’s approach is measured and prudent, and College is much less likely than UCD to have to impose fresh restrictions in the event of a campus outbreak. There is now a clear roadmap of the next half-semester, and all going well, campus will be able to open up further at reading week as planned.
