Student Update: Covid-19 testing 

Please be aware that this information was shared with students by email and correct at the time of sending. For the latest Covid-19 guidance, please visit our coronavirus webpages: www.wlv.ac.uk/coronavirus. If you are a student who has a query or needs support, please log a helpcall with ASK@WLV in e:Vision (www.wlv.ac.uk/evision).

We will be continuing to update students about the evolving situation following the announcement of a national lockdown starting yesterday (Wednesday 6 January).  We will increase the frequency of these email updates to communicate how we will operate and support you all during this period.  

The safety and wellbeing of all students is our top priority, and this update covers the steps students should take before they return to campus. The Government is telling students to take to take two asymptomatic Covid-19 tests or to self-isolate for 10 days before they return to campus.  

Self-isolating for 10 days  

You must remain at home or in your student accommodation if you are self-isolating. 

• Do not come on to campus, go to work or visit public places. 
• Do not use public transport or taxis. 
• Do not go out to get food or medicine – you should order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring and leave outside your home.  
• Do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family, unless you have people providing essential care (who should be informed you are self-isolating). 
• Do not visit friends or family in their own homes. 
• If you live in student accommodation you should remain there, and not travel back to your home address.  

If you have no symptoms of Covid-19 after your 10 days of self-isolating, you can continue as normal and return to campus if you are required to as part of your course. If you develop symptoms you should book a Covid-19 test online www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. 

More information on self-isolating can be found here.  

Asymptomatic testing  

Click here to view the latest information for Covid-19 symptom free testing 

Asymptomatic testing has been established to counter the hidden spread of Covid-19 by those who have no symptoms. This is important because you may have the virus without knowing and inadvertently pass it on to your loved ones, friends or colleagues.  

By taking part in the testing, you will help us detect asymptomatic cases and stop the spread of the virus and protect our University community.  

Testing for students in Wolverhampton  

Students in Wolverhampton and at City Campus can access lateral flow testing at the Civic Centre in Wolverhampton City Centre.  

Lateral flow tests for people without symptoms of Covid-19 are available at the Civic Centre from 8 am to 7 pm weekdays, and 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. You do not need to book an appointment.  

Find out more  

Testing for students in Walsall  

Students in Walsall and at Walsall Campus can access a free asymptomatic test on campus.  

Testing will be available in the Student Hub (WA005) in the Jerome K Jerome building. The testing site will be open from Monday to Friday 8 am to 3.30 pm, and you do not need to book in advance.  

Use our campus map to locate the Jerome K Jerome building  

Testing for students in Telford  

Students in Telford and at Telford Campus can book a free NHS test at a local testing site.  

To book a test, please visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test and click ‘Start now’ to complete the form. When you reach the question ‘Why are you asking for a test?’ you should select ‘My local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms.’  

Once you have completed the form, you will be able to select a drive-through site, walk-through site or home testing.  

Watch this video to see what happens at an NHS test site  

Testing for students at Burton Health Education Centre  

Students at Burton Health Education Centre will be able to access a test through their placement. Please contact your placement supervisor for more information.  

If you do not have access to a test through your placement, please book a test at a local testing site. To book a test, please visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test and click ‘Start now’ to complete the form. When you reach the question ‘Is the person who needs the test an essential worker?’ you should select ‘Yes.’  

Once you have completed the form, you will be able to select a drive-through site, walk-through site or home testing.  

Watch this video to see what happens at an NHS test site  

Testing for performing arts students at the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester 

We are working with partner organisations in Leicester and will contact students individually to confirm the details. 

Please note that the testing arrangements outlined above are only for students with no symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, you should self-isolate immediately, call 119 or visit gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test to arrange a free NHS test. Please visit our Covid-19 Reporting Procedures webpage for more information.  

Once tested, students must continue to follow social distancing rules, our University Covid-19 safety principles and national lockdown restrictions as this is the best way of staying safe. A negative test does not result in a relaxation of the rules or reduction in social distancing. 

Testing FAQs  

How far apart should I take my two Covid-19 tests?  

• Your two Covid-19 tests should be taken 3 days apart. The day of your first test is considered day 1 and on day 4 you should take your second test.   

 Do I need to self isolate between my two tests?   

• If the test is negative, you should limit your social contact and interaction with others until you receive a second negative test.  

What should I do if I test positive in my first test?  

• If your first test is positive you will need to book a PCR test at your local testing site. PCR tests can be booked online www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. Please also follow the University's Covid-19 reporting procedure.   

What should I do if I test positive in a PCR test?  

• If your PCR test is positive, you should self-isolate for 10 days. The day of your test is considered day 0. After your 10 days of self-isolating, if you have no symptoms, you can continue as normal and return to campus if you are required to as part of your course. Please also follow the University's Covid-19 reporting procedure.  

What should I do if I test positive in my second test?  

• If your second test is positive you will need to book a PCR test at your local testing site. PCR tests can be booked online www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. Please also follow the University's Covid-19 reporting procedure.  

How do I notify the University of a positive test result?  

• If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms and/or you have received a positive test result, you will need to email covid-19help@wlv.ac.uk stating; your name, student number and a contact telephone number. Once you have sent your email, you will receive an auto-response which contains a link to complete our online reporting form. You will be required to self-isolate for 10 days if you have a positive result and must not return to campus.  

Stay up to date with the latest information  

Please keep checking your University emails and reading these updates. We are committed to keeping students up to date. We do this by email, on our social media channels (Instagram, Twitter and Facebook) and the University Student News web page.  

Visit our dedicated Covid-19 webpages for information on how you can stay safe and help protect our University community during the pandemic.  

Thank you, and stay safe.  

Professor Julia Clarke  
Deputy Vice-Chancellor