Leeds offers asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for students

New Delhi: The University is offering free and fast asymptomatic coronavirus tests on campus for students who are leaving their university accommodation for the winter break.

The tests – for students who are not showing coronavirus symptoms – are available between next Monday and Wednesday 9 December, to enable students to travel with confidence during the Government’s student travel window, between 3 and 9 December.

Asymptomatic testing centres will be located in the Refectory and The Edge, with tests now bookable online.

Students advised to have two tests
The Government advises that students ideally should have two asymptomatic tests, three days apart, before they leave the University. Students should then make their journey immediately, within 24 hours, after receiving their second negative test result.

If a test result is positive, students are legally required to self-isolate and not travel until ten days after the result of their asymptomatic test – or ten days after the start of their symptoms, if they develop symptoms after the test. 

The test involves taking a swab from the mouth and nose in a process that takes a few minutes, with students notified of the result by text or email via the NHS Test and Trace system, typically in a matter of hours. 

Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice-Chancellor, said: “We thank all of our students for following safety guidance and working with us to keep our community safe, and all of the staff and students who will be working in the asymptomatic testing centres over the next few weeks.”

Please note – any students showing symptoms of COVID-19 must not book an asymptomatic test – instead, they must book a test through NHS Test and Trace.

If students are planning to stay in Leeds over the break, there will be plenty of activities happening on campus and some services will remain open.