University to test 10% of staff and students
Campus infection rates monitored
THE University of Portsmouth will test 10 per cent of staff and students every two weeks to help monitor and prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The voluntary testing will start this month to help track infection rates across campus as staff and students from across the country start their first semester at the University of Portsmouth.
An email to staff from vice-chancellor Bob Nicol, seen by The News, states: ‘We understand that there may be anxieties for some in returning to campus, but we hope that providing these tests and working closely with our local public health officials, will bring a level of reassurance that we are doing all we reasonably can to demonstrate that we have a safe environment for everyone, including our local community.
‘Your involvement is essential as this will enable us to monitor the virus in our university community so we can make sure that you, your friends, colleagues and family remain as safe as they possibly can be. Thank you for volunteering and please encourage others to step forward as well.
‘We will begin with four pilot days in September then aim to continue screening around 10 per cent of our community every two weeks for at least Teaching Block 1.’
Screening tests for people with no Covid-19 symptoms will take place at Milldam car park with pre-arranged appointments.
Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms will be tested at Eldon car park with sameday appointments through the government’s booking service. Walk-ins are also accepted.
Swabs will be taken by a health care worker and sent to Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust for analysis and results will be sent via text message or email, usually within 24 hours, to the person tested and a designated person at the university to track the potential transmission of the virus.
Any staff or student who tests positive will automatically be entered into the NHS track and trace system and may also be contacted by the university.
The Eldon testing site was opened on August 13 in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care and Portsmouth City Council.
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