University Adds Covid Test Centre For Staff And Students Plus ‘Walk-in’ One For Residents

Published on: 22 Oct, 2020
Updated on: 24 Oct, 2020

Photo: Natalie Kolb, Commonwealth Media Services

The University of Surrey is expanding Covid-19 testing to support students, staff and the local community.

This week, fast-turnaround tests are on offer for students and staff, prioritising anyone with symptoms, however mild, to relieve pressures on NHS testing.

Next week, the university will host an additional “walk-in” NHS Track and Trace test near the entrance to the Stag Hill campus, open to the community via the usual NHS testing systems. This will be more easily accessible on foot than other local centres.

The university is already hosting the drive-in testing centre at the Onslow Park and Ride, as well as others for the Royal Surrey hospital, all supporting wider Guildford Borough Council action plans.

Andy Chalklin, the university’s chief operating officer, said: “We’re proud to have provided support for local NHS testing capacity throughout the pandemic and supporting again with this new test centre.

“With case numbers rising nationwide, now is the time to be extra vigilant to reduce the spread of the virus.

“The enhanced testing capacity will help reduce pressure on NHS testing facilities, and is one more measure alongside the extensive steps we have already taken to ensure our campus remains a Covid-secure place to study, work and live.”

Cllr Joss Bigmore

Cllr Joss Bigmore, leader of Guildford Borough Council, said: “Thank you to the university. We welcome this extra site for the borough, especially as our residents can access it without a car.

“We also thank the university for their extensive work this year, from providing cutting-edge international research on coronavirus (Covid-19) to working closely with us and town centre partners to make the campus and our town safe to welcome the next generation of top-class students this term.

“We have been so proud of how our communities have played and continue to play their part over the outbreak, and as community leaders we are committed to collaborating with our local public services and partners to help and support Guildford through these increasingly challenging times.”