Essex students begin trips home for Christmas
Students who test negative for Covid-19 are starting to make their way home for the holidays
Students across the country are permitted to travel home during a 'travel window' between 3rd and 9th December, providing they do not have coronavirus or are contacted by the NHS test and trace system.
To support their safe travel home, the Government has provided antigen tests that do not require laboratory processing and can provide results within an hour, which the University of Essex is using on top of their existing testing programme.
According to the Government website those who do not return home by 9th December are advised to undertake a further "period of restricted contact" to limit the chance of infection.
The University of Essex will have all lectures available online from 9th December, with some already taking place virtually, thanks to their dual-approach carried out throughout the pandemic.
According to the university, over 10,000 tests have been carried out across their three campuses since October, with five positive cases at the time of writing.
Students have been more than willing to get tested for coronavirus, with test centres being "inundated" with students since they have been available.
Ben Hall, Head of Corporate Communications, said: "We've provided testing throughout this term, over 10,000 tests, to provide that reassurance to students and now we're working with the Government to expand that testing to support the students to leave campus if they want to for the winter break.
"We will also support students who want to, or need to, stay on our campuses for the winter break."
Students using public transport for their travels are being encouraged by the university to avoid busy periods, and only travel with people from their household or support bubble if they are driving.
The Government says it plans to utilise "mass testing " to ensure a safe return in the new year, but universities are yet to be informed on how that will take place.
While they await further information from the Government, the University of Essex will continue its testing programme throughout the new year.
Ben Hall continued: "This is all about identifying cases as quickly as possible at the earliest possible moment, so we can respond quickly to contain any spread of infection and support students."