Students urged to get tested before new term
ALL University of Exeter students will be recommended to take a coronavirus test as soon as possible when they return to campus in the New Year – with advice saying they should complete two before beginning in-person teaching.
The University will be offering free tests to all students, including postgraduate researchers, between January 4 and February 5 using their existing test centres on the Streatham and Penryn campuses.
All students are being recommended to book tests for when they arrive in their term-time accommodation and before starting any in-person teaching, or using study or social spaces on the campuses, and should isolate until they receive a result. Students should plan to take two Covid-19 tests before beginning in-person teaching.
Mike Shore-Nye, Registrar and Secretary, said: “It is essential that you allow enough time to take your test and you should book your test to be taken as soon as possible after you arrive at your accommodation. If your preferred slot is not available, choose one as close as possible to your arrival time and try to keep away from other people.
“Only by testing can we identify those who are positive and support them to isolate, and this is how we can keep each other safe, avoid further outbreaks and find ways to return to a more normal University life. If you have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 90 days, there is no need for you to take another test.
“Students should plan to take two Covid-19 tests before beginning inperson teaching.”
Speaking at a Team Devon Local Outbreak Engagement Board meeting this month, Sean Fielding, Director of Innovation, Impact and Business, said: “We will do 50,000 tests over the first month of the new year. We don’t want people coming into the city and creating an infection risk. The return of students will be staggered and there will be a testing schedule as and when they arrive. Every student will be asked to do two tests.”
Examinations for some students begin on January 4, all online. Teaching begins for all students on January 11, mostly online too.