Free rapid Covid tests offered to university students before Christmas

Students at Winchester University are being offered free rapid coronavirus tests before they break up for Christmas.

It was announced last week that the university would be offering the tests to help students understand whether or not they had the virus before they travel home for Christmas.

The university said: “We are working with the government and partners as part of the Asymptomatic Mass Testing programme to help facilitate student travel for the festive period.”

The new Lateral Flow test has been specifically designed for those who are not currently displaying any symptoms, but could be asymptomatic.

The testing will take place from the 4th to the 9th of December between 9 am and 6 pm each day.

The university has warned that due to a limited number of tests, the system will work on a first come first serve basis.

But, those who are extremely vulnerable will be contacted directly to be offered priority testing.

Although the Lateral Flow Devices will be used in the same way as a normal test, these devices will give you a result within 30 minutes rather than the 24 to 48 hours of a traditional test.

The test is not compulsory for students who want to go home but if the students do want to have the test then it is advised that they have more than one.

The university said: “Ideally students should book to have two tests, taking place three days apart, and should then plan to depart your Winchester address within 24 hours of a negative second test.”