Last week, we told you about the introduction of twice-weekly COVID-19 testing for students and staff accessing our campuses and facilities. We can now confirm testing arrangements for the winter break period. The information below is relevant if you are travelling in the UK, travelling abroad or staying in Southampton, so we encourage you to read it carefully.
Full information about how to register for saliva testing can be found here. This is a two-step process. Please ensure you complete both steps. Any registrations received after 17 December will be processed in the new year.
Saliva testing programme winter closure
Saliva testing will pause over the winter break and then resume in January. The last chance to drop off saliva tests before this will be 12.00 on Wednesday 22 December.
Saliva testing will then re-start on Tuesday 4 January, with drop-off points in halls re-opening on Monday 3 January and drop-off points on campuses opening on Tuesday 4 January.
Student testing over the winter break
Students are expected to continue taking two saliva tests per week in the lead up to the winter break to help keep our community safe.
If you are leaving the University over the winter break, you should take two tests (ideally three days apart) before you leave, to provide reassurance before you see friends and family. Please aim to leave as soon as possible after your second negative test.
Over the winter break, all students should continue testing twice a week using lateral flow devices, including immediately before returning to the University if you leave over the break. Please ensure you have sufficient lateral flow tests. You can find a list of collection points on SharePoint.
If you are travelling overseas over the break, please ensure you have arranged the appropriate tests from a government-approved provider for when you return to the UK. You will not be able to use a University lateral flow device, a saliva test or an NHS PCR test. Travel advice can change rapidly, and if you are overseas over the closure period you should monitor the requirements regularly.
Staff testing over the winter break
Staff should continue to take two saliva tests in the lead up to the closure period – including in the final week, to provide reassurance before seeing friends and family.
Staff can also use lateral flow devices over the winter break, and you can find a list of collection points on SharePoint. Please take a test immediately before returning to the University in January.
If you are travelling abroad, please continue to monitor travel testing requirements closely.
