Covid-19 testing for the autumn term

As published in July, following the lifting of Government lockdown rules, the University has been reviewing its Covid-19 restrictions over the summer. 

We have relaxed our two-metre social distancing rule, but still strongly encourage the wearing of face coverings on campus, and we will continue to provide hand sanitisation stations and to ventilate our buildings. 

Please read below for Covid-19 advice for the 2021 autumn term.

Testing

The Government has now published its Covid-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan 2021 and confirmed that they expect testing in universities to continue for the rest of this term, at a minimum.

Students returning to campus for the new term should take a test before travelling to the University. 

They should then take two LFD tests - one as soon as they arrive and another three days later.

All students and staff attending campus should test twice-weekly and report results to NHS Test and Trace whether it is positive, negative or void.

You can order a test online, pick one up from a location near you, or from the Spark reception.

If you test positive, please email covid.support@solent.ac.uk or inform your business partner. 

You can view our testing FAQs on our website >

Vaccinations

We strongly encourage our staff and students to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

You can book your vaccination slot or find a walk-in centre on the NHS website.

Solent will also be hosting a pop-up vaccination centre on campus from Friday 17 September. Find out more >

Test and Trace

We are still advising staff and students to check in regularly on campus using the NHS Covid-19 app, to help with Test and Trace. 

You will see posters up around campus with the Test and Trace QR codes - please take a few seconds to scan this using the NHS Covid-19 app when you are on campus. 

Further support

If you have any queries about Covid-19, please contact the Student Hub: student.hub@solent.ac.uk / 023 8201 5200.

Staff should contact their manager or business partner. 

You can also phone the NHS's University advice service for Coronavirus on 0800 046 8687 (option2), Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, and weekends 10am-4pm.

Future updates

Following the Government's Covid-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan 2021, a 'Plan B' contingency has also been set out, should cases continue to rise to unmanageable levels - which means the possibility of restriction changes at short notice.

All business and institutions, including universities, have been advised to plan for this and we will continue to prioritise the health and safety of our Solent community, alongside maintaining an excellent learning and campus experience for all our students.