Universities rule out MSP’S call for blanket testing of students

Blanket testing of students for Covid-19 has been rejected by the body representing Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions.

Universities Scotland has ruled it out after Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie pressed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the issue.

Devi Sridhar, professor and chair of global public health at Edinburgh University, said she thought universities would have to test all students on arrival and again five days later, to reopen safely. But the first minister disputed whether this would catch asymptomatic arrivals.

Mr Rennie said: “International students are important for our world class universities and they are welcome here but they will be arriving from virus hotspots including the USA.

“The first minister regretted not testing all new residents in care homes. I don’t want her to make the same mistake again.”

“Students who travel to Scotland from a country not on the safe list will abide by the same quarantine rules

Experts have branded the prospect of blanket testing unworkable, given the resources required.

A spokesperson for Universities Scotland said: “European and international students, who travel to Scotland from a country not on the safe list, will abide by the same quarantine rules as everyone else.

“The start of any new academic year involves an orientation and induction process for students.

“This year it will also involve familiarising international students with Scotland’s social distancing and other public health measures, on and off campus.”

Universities say they will keep following Scottish Government guidelines issued on July 31, directives which don’t include a requirement to test returning students.

Asked about Professor Sridhar’s call for university testing Nicola Sturgeon yesterday confirmed that the university situation was being “looked at”, adding discussions are “ongoing”.