College to offer covid test kits to students and staff
Staff and students attending college in Paisley will now have access to rapid Covid-19 testing kits.
Those working and learning at the West College Scotland campus are being encouraged to take part in a twice-weekly testing programme to support the safe return to in-person learning.
In line with current public health guidance, a limited number of students are currently allowed onto the Renfrew Road site at any one time, with safety measures, like social distancing, in place.
But the rollout of the lateral flow tests, which provide results within 30 minutes, will see these numbers increased.
The move has been welcomed by photography student Lauren Mulvey, from Paisley.
The 28-year-old said: “It’s great that we can get these kits directly from the college.
“It avoids me going to a test centre or a medical centre as I don’t have access to a car, so that helps.
“I hope as many people as possible use them to make it safe to return to college.
“I am healthy and would feel happy in college, but I worry about bringing any virus to my family.
“It looks like the new normal is beginning to really start.
“I want to get back to learning and complete my HND Photography course.”
To date, 101,736 testing kits, which include seven tests in each kit, have been provided to colleges by the Scottish Government.
A lateral flow test involves taking a swab from the mouth and nose, with results to then be uploaded onto the NHS website.
The Scottish Government is recommending that two tests are taken each week, ideally three days apart.
National clinical director Professor Jason Leitch said: “The college testing programme is voluntary, and I encourage all eligible staff and students to take part regularly to help protect themselves and keep their friends, families and colleges safe.
“Around one in three people with Covid- 19 do not have symptoms.
“Rapid lateral flow testing helps to find cases in people who may have no symptoms, but are still infectious and can transmit the virus to others.
“These easy-to-use at home kits offer extra reassurance, so it’s important that students continue to make use of them regularly as restrictions are lifted.”
Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, added: “I’m pleased college students and staff can support the efforts we are all making to keep each other safe by using lateral flow tests.
“Colleges are making these available with easyto- access systems, and the reassurance they bring is a really important part of being back on campus for essential learning.”
I am healthy and would feel happy in college, but I worry about bringing any virus to my family