Thread by @MikeOtsuka

.@ucl's outgoing & incoming heads have issued a statement👇that stands out for its acknowledgement of how bad things are in London, its responsibility to the wider community, & of what needs to be done. (@SusanLiautaud) 1/3
ucl.ac.uk/news/2021/jan/…

The statement notes👇that their position is out in front of the current position of the UK govt but correctly maintains that this is the most responsible course of action. Also draws attention to the risks of travel into London when transmission is dangerously high. 2/3

.@ucl has stood out during the pandemic for taking its public health responsibilities to the wider community seriously. They've led with their actions rather than waiting (in vain) for the government to provide cover by telling them to do what they know they ought to do. 3/3

This thread👇by the Director of @UCL_CORU, on the imminent danger to London NHS hospitals, sheds light on @ucl's decision to stay online till at least mid-February & potential to the end of March. 1/3

https://twitter.com/chrischirp/status/1345834332183785472

.@UCL_CORU👇specialises in the assessment of hospital capacity that @chrischirp offers👆. Her analysis is highly plausible. It's hard to deny that the situation will be horrendous in London, once the current high number of cases translates into further hospital admissions. 2/3

Given how difficult it is to deny the above analysis of where we're headed, I hope other London universities will reinforce @ucl's decision to go online this term for the sake of the wider community as well as their own. Among other reasons👇. 3/3

https://twitter.com/patricksturg/status/1345762389946478594

.@ucl's sensible, responsible approach might reflect the fact that incoming head Michael Spence is now VC at Sydney, which moved most teaching online early & for a long time, in a country which has been much more serious about & successful w/r/to Covid.👇
ft.com/content/1dc305…

Last night the government announced that they will direct universities to do exactly what @ucl declared on Saturday was needed to help prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed: keep teaching online till at least mid-February. 1/2

.@ucl did the right & socially responsible thing, thereby putting pressure on a government prone to indecision & delay to act in relatively timely fashion this time. A welcome contrast to the reluctance of others to put their heads above the parapet. 2/2

Another exemplary @ucl policy, which all @UniversitiesUK employers should adopt: "If you decide not to return to UCL accommodation this term, you will not be charged rent." (From an email to students👇.)
thetab.com/uk/london/2021…