UCLan will set up Covid-19 testing centres on campus

Three asymptomatic testing sites are being set up at the University of Central Lancashire's campuses as part of the drive to get students home for Christmas.
Covid-19 testing is taking place at UCLanCovid-19 testing is taking place at UCLan
Covid-19 testing is taking place at UCLan

The first rapid Covid testing station, at the main Foster campus in Preston, will open on Monday to all students who have a term time address in the city and want to travel home for the holidays.

Further centres will be running in Burnley and Westlakes campuses.

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The university is working with NHS Test and Trace to set up the on-campus ATS stations so that students without coronavirus symptoms, but who could still be infectious and unaware of it, can get tested to give them enough time to self isolate before going home if necessary.

Testing stations will be set up at UCLan campuses before students leave  to spend Christmas at homeTesting stations will be set up at UCLan campuses before students leave  to spend Christmas at home
Testing stations will be set up at UCLan campuses before students leave to spend Christmas at home

They will be using the self- swab tests, lateral flow devices which don' t require a laboratory to process the test.

Processing of these rapid tests can be done on site by trained personnel and results can be turned around within an hour.

Students are being encouraged to get tested twice during the first week of December, using the self test Lateral Flow devices. If they get two negative tests they will be asked to go to their family homes immediately but a positive test will mean self isolating for 10 days before going back home.

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UCLan vice-chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: "Thanks to the hard work of staff and students across the university our Covid infection rates on campus remain low.

"However, we have worked with government to set up testing centres at our three campuses in Preston, Burnley and Westlakes to ensure that all students living in student accommodation have the opportunity to be tested and can travel home as safely as possible for Christmas."

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At the university’s Preston campus Covid testing will take place in the Foster building Social Space every day between 8.45am and 6.15pm from Monday November 30 until Saturday December 5 inclusive.

On the Burnley campus Covid testing will take place in Victoria Mill on Tuesday and Friday.

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At the Westlakes campus, testing will take place in the Samuel Lindow Building on Tuesday December 1 and Friday December 4.

All students are urged to get tested if it is available at their university to help protect themselves and their friends, families and home communities as safe as possible when returning home this Christmas.

Anyone with symptoms should follow the guidance online on how to book a PCR test – https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test – or call 119. Lines are open 7am to 11pm.