Symptom-free testing throughout Trinity Term

From 12 April the University will provide free testing via the new symptom-free (LFD) testing centres located in easy-to-access sites around Oxford. 

Who should participate?  

Testing is voluntary but we strongly encourage everyone who is working or studying on site to get tested twice a week, every week throughout Trinity term, including those staff and students who have been vaccinated or have had COVID-19 more than 90 days ago.  We appreciate there will have to be some flexibility in order for staff to attend the testing centres. Staff are requested to talk to their line manager if they need to perform a test inside working hours.

 

It is possible to order LFD tests via a number of other routes – details of which can be found on the Government website. You may choose to use non-University testing routes (for example, if you are not in Oxford, or you have irregular work patterns) where it minimises travel or is more convenient.

  

You should not participate if:  

–      You have symptoms of COVID-19: You should instead book a PCR test via the University’s Early Alert Service and follow the advice you are given when you receive your result (if you develop symptoms between LFD tests, you must stop taking the LFDs and have a PCR test instead).  

–      You have been asked to self-isolate by a public health official.

  • You have had a positive PCR test result in the last 90 days. 

  

Booking tests   

Tests should be booked via the Book a Test Button on the symptom-free testing webpage. Booking a test prevents queues and ensures the process is quick and seamless.

 

At the testing centre your University card will be scanned and you will be given a registration card with barcode sticker. You will be asked to register your test on the NHS Track and Trace system, either on your own phone if you have one with you, or on a device which will be provided. Staff at the site will assist you with how to register. 

 

Performing the tests  

  • Staff and students will swab themselves and then hand over the swab to an assistant who will perform the test and record it. Staff are on site to support participants while performing their swab.
  • Two tests per week should be performed throughout Trinity term. Wherever possible testing should be on the same days each week, e.g. Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday. 
  • There is no need for staff or students to wait 30 minutes for the result. This will usually be communicated electronically the same day.
  • Staff working irregular working patterns should not make special trips into work to perform their LFD tests via University testing sites. You can take tests when you are next working on site, and we would encourage you to use community testing in between where available.

 

What to do if you test positive  

  • Anyone who tests positive in any LFD tests (including those via community testing or received from the Government via another route), must immediately self-isolate and book a confirmatory PCR test, preferably through the University’s Early Alert Service. You (and your household) should immediately self-isolate and assume you have the virus, pending the result of theconfirmatory PCR test. 
  • If you receive a PCR test result, positive or negative, through a route other than the University Early Alert service (e.g. via the national NHS service), you must report your result by using the Report a Test Button on the University’s testing webpage.
  • You will receive further advice from the NHS and the University Results Liaison Team (RLT).
  • If you receive your positive result notification at work you should only use public transport to return home if you have no other option. You should strictly follow the safer travel guidance for passengers. Refer to the Safer travel national guidance.
  • Because the tests do not pick up every case, you may still be infectious even if you receive a negative result, so it is essential that you continue to follow all COVID precautions.

 

We would strongly encourage you to participate in the testing if you are required to work on site, as LFD tests are an additional tool in helping to limit the spread of COVID-19. They can detect whether you have COVID-19 before you develop symptoms. Staff taking the tests will help to reduce any potential spread of COVID-19 across the University and community. Further information can be found at www.ox.ac.uk/regular-testing.