Students across Sussex urged to take a lateral flow test before going home for Christmas

New research shows a third of students have already planned a night out over Christmas

Author: Adam GoacherPublished 9th Dec 2021

University students across the country are being called on to take a lateral flow test before heading home for Christmas.

The plea from the Cabinet Office comes as new research shows a third of students have already planned a night out over the Christmas break.

The same research showed that of the students who said they weren't planning on taking a test before going home, over half said that, when told the benefits of the test, they would now take one.

Dr Emeka Okorocha, A&E doctor, said: “I know when I was studying, I couldn’t wait to get back home for the holidays, and with Christmas on the horizon university students will be travelling across the country to spend the Christmas holidays at home.

"Whilst it’s so great that we are all able to spend this time with our family and friends this year, we do still need everyone to be cautious. This is because around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 have no symptoms and could be breathing it onto others without knowing.

"So, to make sure that you’re not taking the virus home with you for the Christmas break, take a rapid Covid-19 lateral flow test and report your results online at gov.uk before you travel back.”

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