Continuing safety measures on campus
All safety arrangements – including testing, risk assessments, social distancing and the use of face coverings – will remain in place for working on campus whilst Government restrictions continue.
We鈥檒l also be enhancing Covid testing on campus temporarily, providing guidance to students on testing, self-isolation and safe travel home at the end of term, and encouraging students to take up vaccinations.
Here鈥檚 an overview of what you need to know.
Temporary enhanced Covid testing on campus
Enhanced Covid testing is now available for people living on or regularly visiting campus.
This is a precautionary measure to prevent any potential spread within our campus and local area and to protect all members of the community. We are working with local authorities, Public Health England and the NHS to temporarily increase the PCR testing offer on campus for people who may have Covid-19 but are not currently experiencing symptoms.
The PCR test is being used since it is both the most accurate, and can be analysed to identify new variants by checking the genetic material of the virus in the sample.
Alongside continuing safety measures on campus including social distancing, washing hands, wearing a face covering and getting vaccinated, this enhanced testing will help to suppress and control the spread of the virus, while enabling a better understanding of Covid variants.
How to get a PCR test
This asymptomatic testing service is available at on central campus. .
We are currently able to provide PCR as well as LFD tests to students and staff who are asymptomatic as part of our enhance testing programme, requested by Public Health. You will be offered a PCR test when you come for your appointment and can choose to have both tests so that you receive results quickly from the rapid LFD whilst waiting for the lab results of the PCR test. Your testing supervisor will talk you through both processes.
After your symptom-free PCR test, you do not need to self-isolate while you await the results, but you must continue to follow Covid safety requirements.
You will be notified of your test results within 48 hours. If your test comes back positive, you should self-isolate for 10 days and so that we can provide support and tracing of your close contacts.
Please note: these PCR tests can not be used as a Covid test for travelling abroad. Private PCRs are required for travelling abroad and all countries and airlines have different rules. If you're travelling you must check all terms and conditions pertaining to your destination and airline.
Ongoing asymptomatic and symptomatic testing
In addition to the PCR test, anyone without Covid symptoms should continue with routine twice weekly lateral flow tests (rapid results test) via the facility on campus or using .
This asymptomatic testing service is now at . Tests are no longer available at The Slate.
If you are experiencing symptoms, you should use the . As a reminder, Covid-19 symptoms include:
- a high temperature
- a continuous cough
- loss or change to smell or taste
Reporting results and self-isolating
If you receive a positive result from the NHS or a notification to self-isolate, you must follow the guidance given.
You need to if you have tested positive. If you have been on campus or mixed with other students and staff, our tracing team will support you and contact those you have been in close contact with.
You must also notify your line manager and record it on Success Factors.
If you have questions, you can read the FAQs on testing and results or find out more about self-isolation.
Cleaning and ventilation
From this week, we鈥檙e adjusting campus cleaning processes to ensure that we鈥檙e focusing capacity on areas with the highest usage and occupancy as many students start to depart for the vacation. Managers of teams using campus are asked to review risk assessments.
Read more on cleaning, ventilation and updating risk assessments.
We鈥檒l review campus safety measures as and when we hear from Government about the planned end of Covid restrictions on 19 July.
Student vaccinations
Students can also now book their Covid-19 vaccinations whether they鈥檙e registered with a GP or not. The Health Centre on campus will have vaccine availability from Friday 25 June.
Your wellbeing
Please reach out for support if you need it, either through your department or the Employee Assistance Programme. You can also access self-help tools through the Staff Wellbeing Hub and Wellbeing Support Services.
Students can access support through Wellbeing Support Services.