Covid: Wales university students 'to get phased January return'

 Students will have a staggered return to Welsh universities after Christmas and will be asked to take Covid tests once they return.

  The Welsh government said it had asked universities to stagger arrivals for four weeks from January 11.

  Students will be asked to take a Covid-19 lateral flow test when they first return before self-isolating for three days and taking a second test.

  If they choose not to be tested, they will be asked to isolate themselves for 14 days.

  A similar announcement follows for the universities of England last week.

  The Welsh government said it hoped the approach, similar to that used by universities before the Christmas holidays, would help in-person teaching to take place.

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  Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: "I know students will be eager to get back to their college campus after Christmas break, but they will want to do so safely.

  "Students will also want to relearn in person, where it is safe to do so."

  She said that a return in stages "would help break the chains of transmission, since any infectious person can unknowingly isolate themselves and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others."

  Colleges are expected to give priority to students who need to return early, such as those studying in the health professions or internships.

  NUS Wales President Becky Ricketts said students can now plan for their return with "certainty."

  "Continued use of asymptomatic lateral flow testing will help protect students and university staff, and give local communities confidence that the return of students will be handled safely," she said.

College students across the UK are starting their journey home for Christmas, after massive tests for the coronavirus.

  Those in England and Wales are asked to return home during the week-long "travel window" that begins Thursday after taking the tests, while Scotland plans a more staggered return.

  This is expected to reduce the risk of students transmitting Covid-19 to their family and friends, following the outbreaks on campus earlier this quarter.

What is the reaction of the student in England at the moment?

The Code Rapid Tests were distributed to universities in late November, so that students could guess at the same time that the blockade of England ended on 2 December.

   Students with a negative test are asked to travel between December 3-9, while the overall infection rate is low.

   This means that students "represent very little risk to their loved ones and their community," says University Secretary Michelle Donilon.

   Universities in high-risk areas are preferred for testing, the results of which can change in an hour.

Unless they test positive or develop symptoms, students are encouraged to travel home during this time period, and any remaining teaching is done online.

   Students are "strongly encouraged" to travel during the window, as they may not get home on Christmas if they have to isolate themselves later.