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Updated guidance for COVID-19 testing

10 Jan 2022

Important change to COVID-19 testing

From Tuesday 11 January in England, those who are asymptomatic and receive positive lateral flow results for COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate immediately but will not be required to take a confirmatory PCR test.

This is a temporary measure while COVID-19 rates remain high across the UK. Whilst levels of COVID-19 are high, the vast majority of people with positive lateral flow results can be confident that they have COVID-19.

Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms MUST continue to take a PCR test.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay at home, self-isolate and take a PCR test. You must self-isolate if you get a positive test result, even if you have had a recent negative lateral flow test - these rules have not changed.

The new approach reflects similar changes made this time last year in January 2021, when there was also a high prevalence of infection meaning it was highly likely that a positive lateral flow result was a true positive.

In line with the updated guidance on self-isolation announced on 22 December 2021, anyone who tests positive will be able to leave self-isolation seven days after the date of their initial positive test if they receive two negative lateral flow results, 24 hours apart, on days six and seven. 

Staying as safe as possible

We continue to have everything we can in place to make our campus as safe as possible but the most important thing for everyone is to get vaccinated and/or have their booster vaccination.

  • Lateral flow tests are readily available for all staff and students from catering outlets. We strongly encourage you to use these twice weekly.
  • Face coverings remain mandatory on campus. There are very few reasons why someone may not be able to wear a face covering. If you think you are medically exempt then you must arrange to speak to Occupational Health so that we can make alternative provisions for you.
  • Single use face coverings and hand sanitiser are available throughout campus. Please use the disposable face coverings provided instead of reusable cloth face coverings as they are more effective.
  • Clear ventilation and cleaning procedures are in place.

More information