Message from Professor Andy Long:

I am pleased to confirm that from Monday 16 November the University will expand the number of campus testing stations for our asymptomatic Covid-19 testing service. This service is available to all University staff, postgraduate researchers, and hourly paid workers who are regularly teaching, supporting or working directly with students on campus or on placement.

It is really important to state that asymptomatic testing should never be seen as a substitute for any of the Covid-19 security measures in place across campus or the wider local public health rules. However, we are offering access to regular asymptomatic testing to provide staff with additional reassurance and peace of mind.

The number of active cases of Covid-19 continues its downward trend, reducing by 95% since October, to leave a total of 83 active cases at the University. Of this total, there are 62 active cases among students from a population of 35,000. Active cases among staff remain low at 21 cases.

Weekly asymptomatic testing will be available for staff until the end of November and reviewed thereafter based on capacity. We will then further increase our testing capacity to support the safe movement of students to and from home for the Winter break.  We will share our plans for this shortly.

Testing is, of course, voluntary, and I hope that by expanding our service we can continue to ensure the health and wellbeing of our staff and students, offer further reassurance at this time, and keep our community safe.

Please do be aware that the asymptomatic testing service is, by definition, for staff who do not exhibit Covid-19 symptoms. If you feel you have symptoms, you must book an NHS test as soon as possible.

How to use the staff testing scheme
You do not need an appointment to obtain and submit your test. You will need to visit one of the campus testing stations listed at the locations below:

University Park Campus
Trent Building Marquee
Monday to Thursday every week between the hours of 9am and 4:15pm
Staff testing only

East Midlands Conference Centre, Conference room 3
Monday to Thursday every week between the hours of 9:30am and 4:30pm
Staff and student testing

Jubilee Campus
Jubilee Hall, West Atrium (previously the Jubilee Conference Centre)
Monday to Thursday every week between the hours of 10am and 4pm
Staff and student testing

Sutton Bonington
The testing service visits Sutton Bonington every fortnight. The testing team will next be at Sutton Bonington on Monday 23 November. Testing is available to all staff and students who will be emailed directly with dates, times and locations.

How to take an asymptomatic test
Please visit the testing service website to find out more, look at the instructions on how to submit your saliva sample and log your sample online at the testing service website. Please return your saliva sample to one of the locations, (confirmed on the testing website by the end of this week) within two days of taking the test.

What happens next?
The University Testing Service aims to process tests within 48 hours, subject to demand and capacity.

If you receive a positive test result, you will be contacted via phone or text to the number you provide and sent an email providing information and advice on what to do next.

If you receive a negative test result, you will be sent an email confirming this.

Full details of the support available to students and staff is available on the University’s coronavirus pages

Thank you very much for your support in helping us tackle the spread of Covid-19. Should you have any questions about the service, please contact testingservice@nottingham.ac.uk

Professor Andy Long

Deputy Vice-Chancellor