MASS Covid-19 rapid testing is now underway at Coventry’s two universities to get students safely home for Christmas.
A new Covid-19 asymptomatic testing site launched at Coventry University’s Priory Sports Hall earlier this week on November 30.
A university spokesman said: “We’re pleased that the rapid Covid-19 testing we’re offering to our students is now underway, with more than 2,000 students already booked to have asymptomatic tests.
“The testing programme, in conjunction with NHS Test and Trace, is part of our ongoing commitment to do what we can to protect our students, their families, our colleagues and the communities in which we are located.
“Staff and students are supporting us as we’ve committed a lot of time and resources towards this voluntary testing programme, aiming primarily to test as many of our residential students as possible before they travel home to their families and loved ones this Christmas. A large proportion of our students commute so will not be targeted by these tests but they are able to book tests if they wish.”
Warwick University has been running its own dedicated Covid-19 Test and Trace service for both students and staff. A new asymptomatic testing programme for Covid-19 is currently also on offer on campus to Warwick students and staff from 8am to 8pm, between Monday November 30 and Sunday December 6.
It will continue next week with a limited schedule from Monday December 7 – Tuesday December 15 from 10am – 4pm to cover staff and students who have face-to-face teaching before the end of term on December 12.
The government has outlined plans to stagger journeys back to campus over a five-week period beginning on January 4 2021, with all students expected to be back at university by February 7. Medical students and those on practical courses who receive face-to-face teaching are due back first, and Covid-19 tests will be available to all returning students.
