Coronavirus: Returning students urged to take up rapid testing offer

Students who are returning to Shropshire for the festive period are being encouraged to take up the offer of free rapid COVID-19 testing.

All students, regardless of whether they were tested at their respective universities, have until Wednesday 23 December 2020 to book their test. These tests must be booked in advance.

Tests be booked here:

www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting/

In addition, students can also get regular testing calling 119 or online here. Postal tests are also available.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:

“We have had a good take-up of the test by local students. If you haven’t come home yet, we are encouraging all students to be responsible by limiting their social contacts before travelling.

“We want everyone to enjoy their Christmas but the risk of allowing people to socialise in larger groups, and a resulting potential increase in infection rates early in the New Year, is extremely worrying.

“We urge people to consider the potential impact on themselves and loved ones when the rules are relaxed. We know that transmission of the virus takes place largely as a result of inter-household mixing, so we are pleading with people to be sensible.

“The safest way to spend Christmas this year is within your own household and within your own home. Therefore, we are urging the people of Shropshire to think carefully whether a Christmas extended bubble is a good idea.”

Washing your hands regularly, keeping two metres away from people you do not live with and covering your face when in an enclosed space are key methods to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you develop any symptoms, including a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change in your sense of smell or taste, you must self-isolate immediately and book a test.

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website. 

Keep up to date by signing up for COVID-19 updates here