From Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

I want to let you know the process to follow should you wish to be tested for Covid-19 prior to travelling during the Student Travel Window (3-9 December 2020).

As part of the Government’s testing programme, we are opening an Asymptomatic Test Site (ATS) on our Canterbury campus on 30 November 2020. The ATS will be open for 8 working days.

The ATS will offer Lateral Flow Tests which are different to the tests offered by NHS Local Testing Sites. Lateral Flow Tests are specifically for those who are asymptomatic, i.e not currently displaying Covid-19 symptoms.

Please note that if you do have symptoms of Covid-19, you should follow our Isolate, Test and Inform procedure and book a PCR test via the NHS Coronavirus site.

If you aren’t displaying symptoms and would like to know more about the ATS and the Lateral Flow Test, you can do so on our dedicated Coronavirus website. Our booking form for appointment will be available from Thursday 26 November 2020 and we will email to let you know that bookings are open. The test is voluntary, and it is entirely your choice to be tested.

Please note you will need to be tested twice within 3 days for your result to be valid.

The Government is asking all students to travel from their term time to permanent address during the Student Travel Window (3-9 December 2020). Please do try to travel during this period if you are able and bear these dates in mind when booking a test. We know that some of you have made alternative plans or may be intending to stay at University after the Student Travel Window has closed. We are here to support you whatever your plans and personal circumstances.

For those of you intending to travel internationally, please be aware that some countries require a high level of Covid-19 certification as a condition of entry. This is not available through the national testing programme and you will need to be tested privately to meet this requirement. Please refer to the Government’s foreign travel advice and contact the UK-based embassy of the country you’re travelling to for further information.

Additional information about Covid-19 testing can be found on our Coronavirus website.