Dear Strathclyde student,
I am delighted to tell you that bookings can now be made at the Strathclyde COVID-19 Test Centre.
If you intend to leave your current household and travel within the UK over the Christmas break, I strongly encourage you to book a COVID-19 test before you leave.
Taking the test will allow you to know that you are keeping your families, friends and home communities as safe as possible.
The NHS test is free and simple to access in the Barony Hall from Tuesday 1 December 2020 until Wednesday 9 December 2020. Appointments are available from 9.30am until 7.30pm each day.
You will be asked to attend the Test Centre twice to ensure your result is accurate.
Once you have had two tests with negative results, you will be encouraged to travel home as soon as possible.
Don’t worry if you test positive, you will have enough time to self-isolate and travel to your destination before Christmas Day. My colleagues are on hand to support you if you find yourself in this situation.
If you plan to travel internationally, please be aware that the tests on offer at the Barony may not be acceptable for the requirements of your destination country. Find out more about foreign travel.
Please do not book a test if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. If you have symptoms please book a test using NHS Inform and notify us using the Covid 19 Notifications web form so we can support you.
Only book a test at the Barony Hall if you plan to change households over the winter break.
The Scottish Government is asking students who wish to return home at the end of term to voluntarily reduce their social mixing for two weeks before going home. This means going out only for essential reasons including learning, food shopping and exercise.
This advice is for all students in Scotland, but it is most relevant for students in Glasgow and other areas under a high protection level. It is also very important for those of you who are returning to households with vulnerable family members.
I know that you will understand the need to continue to moderate your social activities. This has been an incredibly tough year, but with plans for a vaccine programme becoming a reality, I am confident that 2021 will be better for everyone.
Finally, I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the community of students and staff members from across Strathclyde who have come together to set up and deliver the Test Centre at short notice. This has been an ambitious project which has been delivered speedily with exceptional skills and great care.
Please don’t take COVID-19 home this Christmas. Do the right thing and book your test.
Find out more about the Strathclyde COVID-19 Test Centre and how to book.
Best wishes,
Jim