Recently, we announced that 51³Ô¹Ïapp is working with the Government’s NHS Test and Trace by hosting on campus a pilot of a new type of test in the fight against Covid-19.
We are now pleased to be able to offer all our students free regular tests on campus, to detect Covid-19 in people who are showing no symptoms.
The aim of the pilot is to make a new kind of test – called a lateral flow test – available to large groups of people. By testing those with no symptoms - asymptomatic people – on a regular basis, the hope is that Covid cases are detected far earlier, preventing outbreaks.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Free tests available for all students
- Tests only for those with NO symptoms
- Part of NHS national pilot
- Tests must be booked in advance (see below)
- Visiting test centre for Covid test is in line with national lockdown regulations
- Filling in survey afterwards helps improve process as it expands nationally
- Aim is for all students and staff to be tested regularly (at least twice a week)
For full information about testing, including a thorough FAQ section, visit our webpages here.
This pilot is being run by NHS Test and Trace and 51³Ô¹Ïapp has been chosen as one of the first large organisations to pilot this testing method, meaning this is your chance to play a direct role in developing a project which could make a clear step forward in the fight against Covid-19.
Please note: Attending a test on campus does not constitute breaking the Government rules on lockdown which state that you can leave home for any medical reason, including to get a Covid-19 test.
Testing is taking place at a new testing centre operating inside The Watershed, on Upperton Road.
In order to get tested, you must book via My51³Ô¹Ïapp. You can book a slot between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Booking a test is simple and quick, please follow these steps:
- Log in to My51³Ô¹Ïapp
- Click on the new ‘Covid Antigen Test’ tile
- Under ‘Select Location’, select De 51³Ô¹Ïapp University
- You can then choose the date and time you would like to attend. You will be able to book up to seven days ahead
- You will be asked to enter your contact details and agree to the terms and conditions
- When your booking has been made successfully, it will be confirmed with an email and text message
You will receive reminders via email and text message 24 hours and 1 hour before your appointment.
to share your feedback – it will help make the pilot better as it is scaled up.
The aim of this pilot is to make more testing available across the country, to create a faster test which can be used at scale. If successful, the effect of this could be to stop outbreaks of Covid-19 before they happen.
This is your chance to be part of what could be a real advance in the fight against the pandemic.
Posted on Monday 9 November 2020