COVID-19 update: Bookings open for non-symptomatic testing on campus
Wednesday, 25 November 2020
Message sent on behalf of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Parveen Yaqoob
Dear colleagues,
Bookings are now open for our free on-campus rapid COVID-19 testing for those who do not have symptoms, outlined in my message last week. Testing is available for all undergraduate and postgraduate students, including PGRs and students on placement, and for those staff who have been working on campus in the 14 days prior to the test.
Before booking a test, please read this email carefully.
Who can book a test?
The government is providing rapid Lateral Flow Test kits to universities as part of plans to help students return home safely for Christmas in the ‘student travel window' of 3 to 9 December. So our testing service is available to all undergraduate and postgraduate students.
While we must prioritise student testing, we have agreed that tests will also be available to those colleagues who have been working on campus in the 14 days prior to their test.
This testing is only for those who are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19. It is very important that if you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, new continuous cough or a loss/change of your sense of taste or smell), that you do not visit the testing centre in the Sports Hall. You should book your test through the national NHS testing system and let your line manager know.
Full eligibility criteria for the test will be available on the Staff Portal shortly, and information about how your data will be handled is set out in our privacy notice.
Where and when is the testing taking place?
The centre will be open by appointment only in the Sports Hall from Tuesday 1 December to Friday 11 December:
- 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday
- 11am to 4pm on Saturday.
Please note that we are prioritising testing from Tuesday 1 December to Saturday 5 December for students only. Appointments for colleagues will be available from Monday 7 December until the centre closes on 11 December.
I indicated last week that the centre may be open beyond 11 December. At this stage, for capacity reasons, this is not feasible, so if you are eligible for a test and would like to take one, you should book to take your test before 11 December.
How do I book?
You can book your test using our online booking system for:
- a staff rapid test for colleagues who do not have any accessibility requirements
- an accessible or supported test for those who may need extra assistance or space to take a test, or who need to request adjustments because of a disability.
Find out more
More information about the testing process, including what to expect when you go for a test, will be available in the COVID-19 FAQs for colleagues this afternoon.
Best wishes,
Parveen
Professor Parveen Yaqoob (Deputy Vice-Chancellor)
Chair of the Mass Testing Team