Hundreds of students in Cornwall tested for Covid before travelling home for Christmas
Health officials hope the same mass testing process will be used when they return in the New Year
Hundreds of students in Cornwall have been tested for Covid-19 on campus before they travel home for Christmas.
Those at Falmouth and Exeter universities have been encouraged to take two rapid-result lateral flow tests, three days apart, and then return home as soon as possible after the second if both are negative.
If either are positive, they are being asked to self-isolate and take a further test before heading home.
The testing ended last week, to allow anyone who does test positive enough time to self-isolate for the maximum 14 days and still have time to get home for Christmas.
Officials anticipate the same mass testing process will be used in the New Year so young people can return safely to the Duchy.
Meantime Cornwall Council is urging university students to celebrate Christmas safely and not to have house parties with more than six people.
“This is an impressive operation and I’d like to thank the Falmouth University and the University of Exeter for ensuring their students can return home safely for Christmas. I’m sure long term local residents will be reassured to know that the mass departure and the return of students has been planned so carefully.
“I would also like to thank the students for taking up the offer of tests and showing people that they are taking the pandemic seriously. It is voluntary but it’s fantastic to see so many signed up.”
Cllr Sally Hawken, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Wellbeing and Public Health
Students are being encouraged to use private transport where possible, but the university has been liaising with transport providers to ensure services can cope with the extra demand.
Those using public transport are being reminded of the need to follow the ‘hands, face and space’ government guidelines.
“The health and wellbeing of students, staff and our community is our priority. We have been pleased to be in a position to offer this testing service to our students, so they can leave campus for the holidays, knowing they can safely spend time with loved ones.
“We are now working on plans to provide this testing again in January and February, so we can welcome students back to campus and minimise any disruption to their studies while helping to prevent any spread of the virus and protecting our community.”
Peter Cox, Falmouth University Chief Operating Officer
Meanwhile, Cornwall Council’s Public Health and Covid Enforcement teams are urging students to take extra care and behave sensibly in the period leading up to their departure.
“It’s the end of term, the pubs are open under Tier 1 rules, and it must be very tempting for students – both those leaving university in Cornwall and those returning from their studies outside the county - to go out and party in the weeks before Christmas.
“Of course, it’s fine to enjoy a few festive drinks but we’d ask people to remember to stick to the rules when out and about in the town – wear a mask indoors, wash your hands regularly, keep two metres away from people where possible and follow the ‘rule of six’.
“We’ll have night-time street marshals in the town when possible on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to help the police ensure everyone enjoys themselves in a Covid-safe way.
“We’d also advise against house parties but anyone thinking of holding one should remember that no more than six people are allowed under the same roof, and those from different households must practice social distancing.
“We don’t want to sound like killjoys but this is the law now, and it is vital that we keep following the public health guidance so we can stop the virus spreading and stay in Tier 1.”
Dr Ruth Goldstein, Deputy Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly