Mass, rapid testing of university students without Covid-19 symptoms to begin in Northampton

A programme of mass Covid-19 testing for university students is due to begin in Northampton next week.

In partnership with the Government, the University of Northampton will test students without symptoms to reduce the risk of transmission when students visit family over the Christmas period.

The participation in this kind of testing programme comes after the Government announced that university students would be allowed to travel home between December 3 and December 9.Testing is voluntary for Northampton students, but it is hoped many will take part so if they choose to go home over the festive period, they can do so safely.

University of Northampton's director of estates and campus services, Becky Bradshaw, said: “It has been a significant task to convert our sports facilities into a temporary testing site, but we must do all we can to ensure our students who choose to go home over Christmas can do so as safely as possible.

"Participation in the testing is completely voluntary, but we hope that families with relatives who are studying at the university will have peace of mind that – if that student has had negative results in the test – they are much more likely to return home with a greatly reduced risk to the people they love.

“Our case numbers at the University have remained low through the pandemic because our students have taken their responsibility to the community seriously.

"Therefore, we are delighted to be able to support them to return home – or stay at the University if they wish – over Christmas.

"The testing programme and scope is being reviewed in readiness for students’ return in January.”

The tests that will be used are Lateral Flow Tests (LFT), which is a new kind of technology that could be used to test a higher proportion of asymptomatic people who do not know they are infected.

LFTs can process Covid-19 samples on site without the need for laboratory equipment, with most generating results in under half an hour.

From November 30, testing will be available for students who live in halls of residence or private rented accommodation in Northamptonshire.

Anyone who tests positive for the virus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and asked to isolate and book a confirmatory Polymerise Chain Reaction (PCR) test which is specifically for those with symptoms.

The University has made extensive preparations to support students who need to isolate, including access to mental health services and care packages with food and essentials.

There is also a testing centre for the general public who display symptoms located at the Waterside Campus off Bedford Road.

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