More than 1,900 University of Northampton students test negative for coronavirus before Christmas exodus

More than 1,900 students at the University of Northampton have tested negative for coronavirus at its testing centre before going home for Christmas, as of Friday (December 4).

The university has been testing students without symptoms at the Waterside campus using lateral flow devices, which can give a result in half an hour, since November 30.

Once they have had two negative tests, students can leave their term-time homes knowing they do not have Covid-19 and enjoy the holidays with their families.

Face-to-face teaching was being wound down from Friday with lessons going online from Wednesday to December 18, when the term ends.

Students are urged to get tested by Wednesday to ensure they can self-isolate for two weeks if they do have coronavirus and get home in time for Christmas.

When the testing centre was announced last month, 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.”