University students in York urged to take lateral flows before returning to campus

The Government is asking university students to take a rapid Covid-19 lateral flow test before travelling back to university

The aim is to make sure that university students travelling across the country, protect their friends, other students and teachers.

As well as testing before travelling home, students are encouraged to carry out additional actions to help stop the spread of Covid-19, including:

• Arranging a free PCR test if you have symptoms

• Opening windows regularly, to stop Covid hanging around.

• Wear a face covering when on public transport

• Get your Covid-19 vaccine and booster jab when invited

• York St John University's Spring Term has started this week, whilst the University of York's Spring Term starts on Monday (10th January).

• Beth Hardisty is a third year Politics, Philosophy and Economics student at the University of York:

• "I do agree with the Government advice for students to test before they return to University, and in general it's an important reminder for people to be testing as much as they can. However, I think this is being hindered by the Government not providing enough tests.

• "I know personally it's been really difficult to get my hands on LFTs when that's what I want to do to make sure that me, my housemates and my community are safe. With so many people having Covid generally it's inevitable that there'll be a spike when people come back (to university), but I think making sure that these tests are readily available is part of what keeps those numbers down.

• "That's a Government issue in terms of provision and the University needs to help facilitate that. In terms of safety it's definitely a concern for lots of people that when heading back we're going to have to spend a lot of time isolating, and that may mean a lot of people isolating by themselves.

• "I'm lucky that I'm not immuno-compromised, but there are a lot of vulnerable students who will be even more concerned for their safety. There don't seem to be many contingency plans to provide for their unique situation in which they are more vulnerable and it's still not safe for them to be in lectures".

• The University of York says:

• "In line with Government guidance, many of our staff are working from home, if they can.

• "The Department of Education has stressed that universities should prioritise the delivery of in-person teaching. Staff supporting this work, along with those delivering essential campus and student support services, are also exempt from the work-from-home guidance.

• "If you need access to specialist facilities, research spaces, study areas, libraries or archives to conduct your research, you can continue to do so.

• "We welcome staff onto campus if they need to be here for general health and wellbeing or if they do not have appropriate facilities to work from home.

• "It is crucial that staff and students who visit campus or are on placement get tested regularly. We can all help protect vulnerable people in the community and on campus, and help drive rates down.

• "Symptom-free testing is available to all at Vedge Cafe, Wentworth College on Campus West and the Ron Cooke Hub on Campus East. You should get two tests a week (three days apart) and fill in the relevant self-isolation form if you test positive".

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