Announced yesterday, the University of Exeter has secured a new partnership with Halo to provide Falmouth and Exeter students and staff with rapid Coronavirus testing.

The simple test and fast results will enable the University to both quickly reassure people with possible symptoms but who are not infected and also identify any positive cases who can then be isolated and supported to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

The saliva tests involve a simple spit sample into an MHRA approved container and the same type of RT-PCR analysis that is used for national testing.

The University has put in place a full suite of measures to protect the whole community including providing face coverings, digital thermometers, covid-secure buildings and protocols for staff and student behaviour.

The system is managed by an app which records minimal contact information and delivers the result to the participant. This system will provide students with a rapid testing service without having to leave their accommodation.

Sean Fielding who has been coordinating the University's testing plans said:

"We have been working hard to make our campuses and the communities around us as safe as possible. Offering rapid and reliable saliva tests is a simple way of encouraging more people to get tested and that will help us spot any potential problems early so we can take the necessary steps, working closely with local public health teams and health care providers. It's a new service and we were keen to be one of the first organisations to lead this approach in the UK."

Those participants who take tests in the morning will receive same-day results, participants in the afternoon will receive results the next day. The test results will then be fed into the national Test and Trace system.

The University has also set up a Rapid Response Hub for all students and staff to report symptoms and request tests.

The Hub will gather information and manage responses. Further investment has also gone into student health centres so that students will be able to get medical help if they need it.

Mike Shore Nye, the University's Registrar who has been coordinating the University's return to campus programme added:

"Our number one priority is the health and wellbeing of students, staff and the wider community."

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