City students taking Covid tests
STUDENTS are taking coronavirus tests at a university hall of residence in Cardiff.
It comes after a number of students, living at the Talybont South halls, have tested positive for Covid-19 in recent days.
Many are voluntarily selfisolating, so the regional Cardiff and Vale test, trace and protect service has begun testing on the college site as a precautionary measure.
A team of community nurses will visit the site and students will be asked to take a voluntary coronavirus test. They will then be required to self-isolate until the test result is known.
Cardiff University also said it was not a lockdown and only applied to specific blocks or houses identified in Talybont South only.
No additional restrictions have been placed on those living at Talybont or any other student accommodation in the city.
Fiona Kinghorn, executive director for public health for the region, said: “Effective testing and tracing are essential to stop the spread of Covid-19 in our communities.
“This precautionary measure has been taken in part to make it as easy as possible for this group of
people, who may be new to the city, to get tested.
“The testing team will also be on hand to discuss any concerns or questions students may have about the virus.
“Everyone, regardless of where they live, should continue to follow the national public health advice to regularly wash their hands, wear a mask indoors in public spaces, and keep their distance from others wherever possible.
“Together we can stop the spread of Covid-19.”
Local lockdown restrictions are already in place in Cardiff and much of Wales.
The university’s Pro Vice Chancellor for education and students, Claire Morgan, also sent out an email to students.
It stated: “I am writing to you to make you aware of increased coronavirus (Covid-19) testing taking place at one of our university residences. Please don’t be alarmed by my email, my intention is to reassure you that we are doing all we can in prioritising the health and safety of our university community.
“In coordination with the NHS Track, Trace and Protect Team, we have agreed to offer students in some of our Talybont South residences a voluntary NHS coronavirus test.
“This follows an increase in positive tests and students self-isolating in this specific set of residences. You may see community nurses on site this weekend, in personal protective equipment, supported by a Mobile Testing Unit .
“I realise this news may be concerning both to other residents in Talybont and our students more generally. As such, I am keen for all students to be made aware of this increased testing and to alert you on how we are managing the situation.
“Please note this does not constitute a ‘lockdown’ as we have seen in some other universities, rather this is a more limited, pre-emptive measure to help control the spread of the virus for the safety and welfare of our students and the wider community.”