Scottish students to be tested for coronavirus before travelling home for Christmas

Measures have been set out to allow students to travel home for Christmas safely.

The Higher Education Minister says they will be advised to only go out for essential reasons two weeks before leaving.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Richard Lochhead said: “We will advise any student who wants to return home for the end of term to voluntarily reduce their social mixing for two weeks before going home.

“This means going out only for essential reasons and exercise.''

He said there will be “staggered and early departure irrespective of the level the institution is currently in''.

Mr Lochhead added: “Universities will be asked to make any necessary adjustments to scheduling to ensure that in-person teaching and assessment ends early enough to allow students time to get home at the end of term.

“I see that Universities Scotland has highlighted the staggered dates for the end of in-person teaching at Scottish universities from late November to mid-December, so they are not expecting a great surge of movement.''

Scottish students will also be included in a UK-wide initiative to test some asymptomatic students before the end of term.

Mr Lochhead added, “We are currently planning on the basis that two tests will be necessary, five days apart, with PCR confirmation for positives, but that position may change as public health professionals and clinicians take account of the new evidence that's coming forward from England where there's a number of pilots.''

He said lateral flow tests will be used, which can provide a result in half an hour.

The student union in Scotland has welcomed the announcement.

Matt Crilly, NUS Scotland President, said: “Today’s announcement that students can travel home safely for the Christmas break is warmly welcome and will be a relief to many students and families across Scotland.

“Students have had a difficult term, many having to self-isolate for extended periods. We’ve repeatedly called for a coherent plan for the end of term and welcome the government's commitment today to mass testing and staggered departure dates which gives students the certainty they need.

“Focus now must turn to ensuring that institutions are equipped with enough resource to cope with the demand for testing and have funding to offer support to those students who for a variety of reasons, such as care experienced, estranged and international students, will stay in their accommodation over the winter break. We also need a clear strategy for January return: students deserve better than another term of uncertainty."

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