Closure of ATS and move to LFD Collection Points on campus
The University is changing the way it supports Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Covid-19 testing for students and staff with a move towards self-testing via LFD collect test kits from the end of October.
As a result, the University’s Asymptomatic Testing Centre within Village Hall on the Brayford Pool Campus will close on Friday 29th October at 1pm.
Since Easter, it has become clear that staff and students prefer to use LFD collect test kits and to take tests at home. To support this move, we are increasing the availability of LFD Collection Points on campus and operating hours.
This change is in alignment with national public Health strategy, and the University will continue to work closely with the relevant Government departments, our local Public Health team, our University community, as well as the wider local community in our response to Coronavirus.
You can obtain home tests kit from any of the following LFD Collection Points on campus:
– Student Support, Minerva Building (9:30am to 4:30pm from 1st November)
– Student Wellbeing Reception, Student Wellbeing Centre (9:30am to 4pm from 1st November)
– Student Advice Centre, Lincoln Students’ Union (12noon to 2pm)
– The University Library (open 24/7)
We are offering this collection service for University staff and students as part of a scheme organised by the Government’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). We will be able to provide one test kit at a time, with enough tests in each pack for twice weekly testing for three weeks at home. Due to the scheme being overseen by the DHSC you will also be asked to provide basic contact details in the event of a product recall. Data Privacy Notices are on display at all Collection Points.
If you would prefer to order your LFD test kits directly to your home address, please use the gov.uk website.
All staff and students are strongly encouraged to continue to test and report every Covid-19 test result (positive, negative, or void) to the University’s Test, Care and Trace System and the NHS. Testing should be undertaken twice a week, three to four days apart, regardless of when you are accessing campus facilities. This includes people who have been vaccinated.
When reporting results on the NHS system you are asked to identify that you “go to school, college or university” or “work for an education provider” and then input the University of Lincoln (LN6 7TS) when asked to attribute your result to the University.
We can all continue to play a part in limiting the risks of Covid-19 transmission. In addition to regular LFD testing, other key elements of keeping our campus safe include:
– Self-isolating if you develop Covid-19 symptoms and booking a PCR test. The nearest PCR testing site for the University is on Beevor Street, near B&Q, which is booked via NHS 119.
– Raising a case on the University Test, Care and Trace System if you come into contact with a positive case or if you feel unwell. The University Test, Care and Trace reporting system enables us to support you as well as notify members of our University community that they have come into contact with someone reporting symptoms of Coronavirus while they await the outcome of a test: https://lncn.ac/tct
– Wearing a face covering in enclosed, communal spaces on campus and during face-to-face teaching sessions.
– Getting vaccinated. Vaccination appointments are available to book via the NHS website at Lincolnshire Showground or Newland Pharmacy, Lincoln.
To find out more about the University’s approach to keeping our community safe from Covid-19 please visit: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/coronavirus/
Story submitted by Heather Stephen
hstephen@lincoln.ac.uk