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Surge testing in Wandsworth

Many of you will be aware of the surge Covid-19 testing programme currently taking place in Wandsworth, Lambeth and parts of Southwark and Barnet.

This follows the identification of a number of cases of the South African Covid-19 variant in these areas. 

In order to support the surge testing programme, the University and the Trust have received a supply of PCR tests, which we are making available from Tuesday 20 April 2021 to all staff, students and contractors.

These should be used in addition to lateral flow tests available via the University testing centre or the NHS. 

The PCR tests have been introduced across the boroughs listed above and are designed to help identify, control and suppress any possible new cases of the South African Covid-19 variant. Use of the PCR tests is voluntary and requires staff and students to take a one-off test only.

We would strongly encourage everyone to take part, because surge testing enables us to identify and control the spread of Covid-19, which we all have a vested interest in supporting.   

How to get a PCR test 

PCR test kits will be available to pick up from 20 April from outside the Curve lecture theatre, Ground Floor, Hunter wing near the University reception and St George’s Hospital Charity fundraising office, located on the ground floor of Grosvenor wing reception at the main St George’s Hospital entrance. 

You will need to show your ID for collection.

Students in halls of residence will be provided with PCR test kits within their accommodation. The collection points will be open from 7:30am to 8pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on weekends.

Both collection points will be operational from 20 April until 29 April, at which point the surge testing programme will end.

Tests can be carried out at home or alternatively onsite in Lecture theatre A, which will be open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and will be a clean and secure environment to take your test. 

Once you have carried out your test, you should return the test kit to one of the locations mentioned above, during their operational hours – this will then be sent off for analysis and you will be informed of the result. 

Participating in this asymptomatic PCR surge testing does not require you to self-isolate, you should continue to work and study as normal.

However, if you’re symptomatic you should isolate immediately and arrange a test through the NHS website or by calling 119. Do not come on to campus for a test. 

Staff and students should be aware that:

  • you will only be provided with one PCR test, which you should carry out and then return the completed test to one of the collection points at St George’s
  • the PCR test should not be used if you are displaying symptoms of Covid-19 – if you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate
  • if you are informed of a positive result, you must self-isolate immediately, staff should contact their line manager and hrhelp@sgul.ac.uk and students should contact coronavirusconcern@sgul.ac.uk
  • if you have previously been tested at one of the surge testing sites in Lambeth or Wandsworth in the last few weeks, you do not need to do an additional PCR test. You also do not need to do a PCR test if you are participating in the SIREN study
  • if other members of your household wish to request a test, they can do so on the Wandsworth website or Lambeth website.

Instructions on how to carry out the PCR test will be provided with your testing kits and can also be accessed here

For any staff who are working from home you should attend a local testing site in your area if you’re in the affected boroughs. You can also request a PCR test be sent to you via the Gov.uk website

Playing our part 

Thank you in advance for supporting this important initiative. 

I remain hugely proud of how our community has adapted to the different stages of this pandemic. I hope many of you are enjoying the easing of the restrictions safely, but we must all continue to play our part and limit the transmission of Covid-19 with regular testing.  

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who is volunteering to deliver Covid-19 testing within our community, especially for this particular PCR initiative to St George’s Hospital Charity.

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