Symptomatic testing announced for University students, staff and local community
A coronavirus testing team will be on campus at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) on 17-18 and 24-25 September for use by students, staff and the local community with possible Covid-19 symptoms.
The testing site will be based on the University’s Vernon Street Car Park, Preston Campus, and will be open between 10.30am-3.30pm for the four specified dates.
The initiative is part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for university and local communities and has been co-ordinated in partnership with the Lancashire Resilience Forum.
"We have been working hard to make our campuses as safe as possible for returning students and staff. Measures include the provision of face coverings, digital thermometers, covid-secure buildings and protocols for staff and student behaviour."
— Michael Ahern, Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer
UCLan’s Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer Michael Ahern said: “We have been working hard to make our campuses as safe as possible for returning students and staff. Measures include the provision of face coverings, digital thermometers, covid-secure buildings and protocols for staff and student behaviour.
“The addition of a simple coronavirus test with fast results will enable the University to both quickly reassure students and staff with possible symptoms, but who are not infected, and also identify any positive cases which can then be isolated and supported to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. We are pleased to be offering this facility to the local community so they too can also be tested.”
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire, added: "Covid affects everyone, so we all need to do what we can to protect our communities and keep things more normal.
"It’s important that you get tested if you’re showing symptoms, so that we can reduce the spread of Covid. Even milder cases, where people don’t end up in hospital, can have serious long-term health impacts.
"By getting tested, you'll know if you need to stay at home so that you don't pass it on to people you know.
"If Covid isn't under control, then we could end up facing further measures which restrict what we can do. We all need to follow the guidance and protect each other."
The UCLan test site will operate as appointment only, booked by the .GOV portal. The facility is only for people with symptoms.
The University is working with the Lancashire Resilience Forum to look at future testing arrangements on campus which could involve extending the testing facilities further for students, staff and the local community.