COVID testing for students and leaving campus at the end of semester
24 Nov 2020
Message for students
Dear colleague,
You will be aware that the government has announced there will be a Student Travel Window between 3 and 9 December, and that students should be tested prior to leaving campus.
I am writing to give you notice of the plans for communicating this today. The below message will be sent to taught students later on today to inform them of how we will be running this process. A separate message for postgraduate research students will be distributed by the Manchester Doctoral College.
We have created a website which has detailed information and a booking system so students can get their tests. If students get in touch with you then please direct them to the website.
These tests are only available for students, including postgraduate research students.
For those students who are remaining on campus over Christmas, we are preparing a programme of support, details of which will be released in due course.
Best wishes,
Patrick Hackett
Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer
Message for taught students, to be released on Tuesday afternoon
Important information about arrangements for Christmas: COVID-19 testing, travel and for those staying with us over the break
Dear student
I am sure you are keen to learn about the arrangements for the Christmas break. To help you plan, I am writing to you about how this will work, including our University’s rapid testing offer, safe travel arrangements and support for those staying here over the Christmas break.
Get tested before you travel
To support you in getting home during the government student travel window (3-9 December), we have put in place arrangements for you to access free, rapid testing, starting on Saturday 28 November.
If you intend to travel home over Christmas, we strongly encourage you to take two tests, 72 hours apart. This means that you are reducing the risk of transmission to other people while you travel and friends and family when you’re back at home.
In line with government requirements and to reduce pressure on transport, we have suggested dates, ordered by school, when you should book your tests. We have established four testing sites, and can accommodate several thousand tests each day. Booking slots are now available online.
To find out how testing works, where to get tested and to book your slot, visit our end of semester travel and testing website. There’s also information about what to do when you get your results.
The tests may not be suitable for people planning international travel, those on NHS placements, or people with symptoms or who are already self-isolating, so please check the website for further details. You must not get tested using this method if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
How to travel
We encourage you to use private modes of travel where possible. If you are in University halls, you will be sent more information directly.
If you need to use public transport, then please follow the government safer travel guidance.
Further travel information is available on our end of term travel and testing website.
If any student (home, international, undergraduate or postgraduate) has severe and unanticipated hardship related to travel, then you may be eligible for our Living Cost Support Fund. International travel may include the requirement for a private test, so please factor this into your overall travel costs.
Staying with us over the break
If you are one of the many students who chooses to stay with us over the Christmas break, then we are here for you. Alongside our extensive support services, we are putting in place additional measures over the break. This information will be sent to you shortly.
Whether you are leaving campus or staying with us over Christmas, I hope you have a happy and healthy break.
Professor April McMahon
Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students