Students can go home for Christmas in ‘ travel window’

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS have been told they will be able to travel home to spend Christmas with their families during a ‘ travel window’ which the Government is setting up to maintain safety.

Once the latest lockdown ends on December 2, students will be allowed to travel homes on staggered departure dates between December 3 and 9, with dates set by universities who will work with other institutions in the region to manage pressure on transport infrastructure.

The new Government guidance is being published today and requires students to stay in their term- time accommodation and follow the national restrictions until December 2.

The travel window will mean students can travel having just completed the four- week period of national restrictions, reducing the risk of transmission to family and friends at home. The Government is to work closely with universities to establish mass testing capacity, with tests offered to as many students as possible before they travel home, and universities in areas of high prevalence prioritised. If a student tests positive they will need to self- isolate for 10 days.

Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said: “We know this

Christmas will feel different, and following this incredibly difficult year we are delivering on our commitment to get students back to their loved ones as safely as possible for the holidays.

“We have worked really hard to find a way to do this for students, while limiting the risk of transmission.

“Now it is vital they follow these measures to protect their families and communities, and for universities to make sure students have all the wellbeing support they need, especially those who stay on campus over the break.

“With the national lockdown measures, staggered leave times, safer travel guidance and any additional assurances from testing, we are confident transmission can be controlled, and we can enable these students to have the Christmas break they deserve.”