University students and staff in Wales are being "strongly advised" by the Welsh Government to take three lateral flow Covid tests each week and report results.
Education Minister Jeremy Miles made the request in a letter to university vice chancellors on January 14 as he warned them to expect continued Covid disruption this term.
He said testing three times a week would identify asymptomatic cases. Although most students have returned for the new term the Minister also asked them to test before they returned.
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The default learn from home position has been removed but universities are still required to reduce contact. Learning will continue to be a mix of remote and face to face this term as a result.
Students and staff must still wear masks on campus and keep a two metre social distance.
“I anticipate universities, like the rest of the education sector will see periods of disruption,” Mr Miles warned in his letter.
He went on: “As projected in the modelling, the Omicron variant is now the dominant variant in Wales, Covid-19 case numbers are continuing to increase, especially in the 19 to 25 year old age group and there are high levels of community transmission.
“Absences due to Covid-19, self-isolation, caring responsibilities and other illness, are expected to impact education provision over the coming weeks. We will continue to monitor the data carefully as learners return to university.”
And he asked students and staff to test three times a week.
"From January onwards there will be enhanced testing for students and staff, with the offer of testing three times a week using LFTs. These plans recognised the level of uncertainty and the pace at which we have had to adapt national policy, and ensure that all students are able to access in-person learning, recognising different learner needs and the diversity of courses being taken in universities...
...All staff and learners are now strongly advised to use (and to report the results of) lateral flow tests three times a week as a method of identifying asymptomatic cases."
Universities are urging students to get vaccinated and have their booster if they have not done so.
Claire Morgan Pro Vice Chancellor, Education and Student Experience at Cardiff University said in a message to students : "if you’re not already full vaccinated – this is still the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others from Covid-19. If you missed your appointment for the booster vaccination over Christmas you should receive another appointment by 17 January 2022."
She added that methods of teaching this term will remain unchanged (ie. blended) and in-person teaching would happen where it has been scheduled.
Abersytwyth University said students should dress warmly on campus as doors and windows would be open to improve ventilation.
It posted on its website to students: "If you’re not already full vaccinated – this is still the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others from Covid-19. If you missed your appointment for the booster vaccination over Christmas you should receive another appointment by 17 January 2022."
What the new rules on self isolation say when tests are positive
Children and young people aged 5-17 and fully vaccinated adults in Wales are now asked to take LFTs every day for seven days if they are identified as a close contact of a positive Covid case.
Those who test positive must self-isolate for seven days. On day six of isolation, they should take a lateral flow test and another test 24 hours later. If both results are negative, it is likely they are not infectious.
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