This message is ONLY for St George’s registered students. We are aware of an issue with the distribution list, meaning this and previous emails may be reaching some Kingston University registered students in the Joint Faculty unintentionally. We apologise for any confusion this caused.
Dear students,
As you know, we have been offering testing for students and staff who are not displaying Covid-19 symptoms at our campus testing centre in advance of the festive break. We very much hope that, if you’ve been able to, you have taken advantage of this opportunity to keep yourself and your families, friends and home communities as safe as possible.
Following a recent change in official guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care, we are now able to run an additional day of testing. We can therefore offer you the chance to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on Friday 18 December from 2pm - 5pm, as well as on 11 and 14 December as previously publicised.
The guidance remains that you should take two tests, ideally three days apart. If that is not possible, two tests should be taken four days apart (e.g. on 14 and 18 December) or, if you cannot attend for two tests, please take a single test as close as possible to your departure date for the address where you will be spending the break.
Book your December test here
If you receive a positive LFD result, you will need to self-isolate at your term-time address and arrange a confirmatory PCR test. If the PCR test is positive, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days at your term-time address. Details, along with further information about the testing process, can be found here.
Displaying Covid-19 symptoms?If you display Covid-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, and/or a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste), the guidance remains that you should self-isolate immediately and book a confirmatory PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. If you or a member of your household has coronavirus symptoms, or a positive test result, it is crucial you notify the University. Advice on steps you should take is available in our Covid information hub.
Testing on your return to St George’sWe will be offering you the opportunity to take an LFD test on your return to St George’s after the festive break.
The tests offered in the New Year will be the same LFD tests that have been used in the testing centre this term. You should, again, take two tests, three days apart if possible. The first test should be taken on your return to campus and then another three days later. We will have testing available for our students on clinical placements who are living and working locally, at the start of their placement.
The logistics of the testing process in the New Year are still being finalised and will be shared with you before the University closes for the festive break. Please check your University email account regularly for further information.
SupportWe very much understand that this year has been an exceptionally challenging one for you. The commitment and resilience you have shown has been an inspiration and we want to ensure that all of you feel supported.
We urge you to reach out if you need help. For welfare support, please use one of the following routes:
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Arrange an appointment with the Counselling team by emailing: counselling@sgul.ac.uk.
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Support from the Students’ Union is also being offered remotely by Lon Teija (Welfare Advisor) and Sarah Jones (Students’ Union VP for Welfare). Check updates at https://www.sgsu.org.uk/covid/ for ways to get in touch and to find out more about Students’ Union support.
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Approach your Personal Tutor.
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Use one of the online platforms developed to support students with their mental health: Togetherall and Student Minds.
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Access support designed to help students with their wellbeing during the pandemic via webchat, text, email or phone from 4-11pm at studentspace.org.uk.
Best wishes,
Paul Ratcliffe
Chief Operating Officer