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ALL STUDENTS and staff at the University of Reading are now eligible for rapid coronavirus tests.
And this includes those without symptoms to ensure that everybody has access to testing before the winter holidays.
The University has set up an on-campus testing facility with the help of NHS Test & Trace, and can tell if somebody is infected with Covid-19 in just one hour.
It hopes the new testing facility will give students and staff peace of mind before travelling for Christmas.
“We hope that this testing facility will provide some additional reassurance for those students who are returning home to their families over the Christmas break,” said Professor Parveen Yaqoob, the University of Reading’s deputy vice-chancellor.
“Many dedicated members of staff have also been working on campus to continue delivering teaching and research, and they can also benefit from the reassurance of this test.”
The centre launched on Tuesday and will carry on until Friday, December 11, offering lateral flow testing for all students.
Staff members who have been working on campus are also eligible for a test from Monday, December 7.
“I would like to thank the incredible team that has come together in recent days to deliver this service,” Professor Yaqoob added.
“Universities are used to using science and coming up with innovative ideas, but this is the first mass testing system we have built from scratch.
“The fact that we have done this in such a short time is a testament to the skills and commitment of my colleagues.”
Tests are available in the University’s Sports Hall between 10am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and from 11am until 4pm on Saturday.
For more information, visit: www.reading.ac.uk/coronavirus
