All students at English universities will be able to return to campus for face-to-face teaching from 17 May, confirmed the Prime Minister on Monday.
The move was announced by Boris Johnson as part of step 3 in the government’s roadmap out of lockdown. It will allow around 1 million students, who have studied online since Christmas, to return to campus for in-person teaching, despite many having already finished their teaching timetable.
Returning students are asked to take a COVID-19 test at least one day before they plan on travelling back to their university accommodation.
After arriving, all students and staff will be encouraged to take three lateral flow tests three to four days apart. They then will be expected to be tested twice a week during the remainder of the summer term.
Despite the formal announcement, an ONS study last week found that the majority of students are already back at their term-time accommodation, even with their studies remaining online. Figures showed that 82% of students had returned to their university addresses.
The Minister of State for Universities, Michelle Donelan, said: “Our priority from the very start of this pandemic has been to help students complete their courses and graduate as planned, which is why I am pleased that the prime minister has today confirmed all remaining students can return to in-person teaching from the 17 May as part of step 3 of the government’s roadmap.
“It is vital that we make every effort to keep us all as safe as possible, and every student will be offered three tests on return to campus. I would strongly encourage students to make use of the free tests available to them.”
Image source: BBC
