New Covid-19 asymptomatic testing site starts at Plymouth Marjon University

Students and staff will soon be able to get a test even if they don't have symptoms

Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 26th Nov 2020

A new coronavirus asymptomatic testing site is about to get started at Plymouth Marjon University.

They are working with NHS Test and Trace so that students and staff without symptoms can get tested.

It is part of the Government's UK-wide drive to increase the availability of mass testing.

It will officially begin on Monday 30 November until Wednesday 9 December.

Lateral flow devices do not require a laboratory to process the test. Processing of these tests can be conducted at a dedicated testing site by trained personnel and can rapidly turn around results within an hour.

It means they will be asked to self isolate if they are infectious, or reassured quickly if they are not.

The testing site is being delivered in partnership with Marjon and will offer self-swab tests.

The Government is working closely with universities to get asymptomatic university students tested during the first week of December in order to help students return home safely for Christmas.

They will be encouraged to get tested twice during the first week of December.

If they receive two negative tests, they will be advised return home immediately. If they get a positive test, they will have to self-isolate for 10 days - still giving them enough time to return home for Christmas.