By Filiz Emily Gurer, News Editor
The University have confirmed that twice weekly testing for staff and students will take place until the end of March, in response to the news of a new coronavirus variant found in Bristol.
In a university-wide email from Professor Sarah Purdy, PVC for Student Experience, this afternoon, the University of Bristol updated students as to the additional testing to be provided and reminded students of their responsibility to follow Government guidance.
The University confirmed that eligible students will be able to get tested twice weekly until the end of March.
Bristol University advises that eligible students are those who are: regularly accessing the campus; studying a course with in-person teaching activity, or working on a work placement in Bristol
The University’s email follows the news of 11 cases of the Covid-19 variant being identified in Bristol on Tuesday 2 February, which the Health Secretary Matt Hancock had announced to Parliament.
Stressing the new strain of the virus is 70 per cent more transmissible, the University is strongly encouraging ‘everyone attending campus to book regular tests to continue to keep staff and fellow students safe.’
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The testing provided to students is the same lateral flow testing given prior to the Christmas holidays, and the same tests which students should take, upon their return to Bristol.
The regular testing provided to students means 2 tests a week, 3 to 5 days apart, for each eligible student.
In order to respond to the new variant, the University has advised that it is ‘working closely with Public Health England’ on joint planning, and will be updating students as soon as it has more information.
Featured Image: Epigram / Filiz Gurer
If you are back in Bristol have you had your two lateral flow tests yet?
