asymptomatic COVID-19 testing begins at KU
Thursday 03-12-2020 - 12:52
From today (3rd December), Uni are offering free, voluntary COVID-19 tests for students who are not showing symptoms of COVID-19 (asymptomatic tests) and who are leaving Uni accommodation for the winter break.
If you’re showing symptoms of COVID-19, you need to book a test via the NHS website, Test and Trace app or the walk-in centre at Surrey County Hall - you can find out more guidance on MyKingston.
The asymptomatic tests are voluntary, but a negative result can reassure you and your family and friends before you travel back home for the winter break. It can help prevent students who show no signs of the virus from passing it on to their friends or loved ones.
If you take the test, and the result is negative, travel as soon possible – ideally within 24 hours of receiving your result.
In line with government guidelines, if you test positive, you and your close contacts will need to self-isolate and you will need another different test for confirmation. You can book a test via the NHS Test and Trace app.
If you test positive you should tell the university here. You’ll receive loads of support from both us and the university if you notify us.
You can find out more information on asymptomatic testing on MyKingston here.
We’ve compiled a handy Q&A right here for any questions you might have:
Are the COVID-19 tests free?
Yep - both the university asymptomatic tests and the standard COVID-19 test through the NHS are free
What does asymptomatic mean?
Asymptomatic means that you’re not showing any signs of COVID-19 at the moment (which are a high temperature, a new, persistent cough and a change or loss to your taste or sense of smell)
How do I book?
How does the testing procedure work?
You’ll do the test yourself but you’ll be assisted. You’ll take a swab of the back of your throat and a swab of your nasal passage (up your nose). This whole process only takes minutes to complete.
How long does it take to get a test result back?
You should get the result within about an hour, but this could take up to 24 hours.
What if the result is negative?
You did not have COVID-19 at the time of the test. You should then travel as soon as possible (it’s recommended within the first 24 hours of your result)
What if the result is positive?
If you test positive, yourself and your flatmates should self-isolate and you’ll need to take another test via NHS, the test and trace app or the walk-in centre just opposite penrhyn road campus.
What support can you give me if i test positive?
You should let the uni know if you test positive for COVID-19 via this form. There’s lots of support you can access - such as food packages, our self isolation support telephone service and there’s even a pack of goodies we’re bagging up right now…
Remember - you can only access this by alerting the uni!
I’m a commuting student. Can i get a test?
Right now, the uni are prioritising students who live in halls of residence and private accommodation around kingston who will be travelling. This is based on advice from the government.
I think I have symptoms of COVID-19. What do i do?
If you think you’re showing symptoms of COVID-19, you should book an NHS test via the test and trace app, their website or by going to the walk-in centre opposite penhryn road. You should NOT go to campus.
Can I use the asymptomatic test result to travel overseas?
Different countries require different levels of COVID-19 certification to enter the country. You should check on the commonwealth website to see what these are.
