University donates COVID testing booths to local community

With the successful operation of the Student Travel Window which comes to a close on the 18 December in line with Government advice, The University of Manchester is now pleased to be extending help to community testing to aid local government.

The University has been working hard to help students get home this term with our rapid COVID-19 testing offer, safe travel arrangements and support for those staying here over the Christmas break. Students have been able to attend rapid testing sites which were constructed and staffed in less than 2 weeks on campus in order to facilitate save travel home for the Christmas Break. Along with our students this capability was also offered to students of the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester College and University Academy 92.

From on-campus testing sites the University is now assisting Manchester City Council and Tameside Borough Council by offering testing booths for in-situ testing in the community and care home visitors.

Steve Jordan, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities said: “Following successful completion of pre-Christmas student testing, we are delighted to be able to facilitate the re-use of some of our testing booths by Manchester City Council and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council. We see this as important of supporting our local communities in these challenging times and keeping everyone safe.”

Following Christmas we recommend that students get tested while at home and then book testing on campus for when you arrive, unless you need to self-isolate. Testing is just part of the solution to coronavirus, so please continue to follow the Hands, Face, Space rules.