Summary of story at The Guardian
Universities are currently advised that students and staff on campus should take lateral flow tests (LFTs) twice a week, even if they do not have coronavirus symptoms. But the contract to supply the kits, through NHS test and trace and the UK Health Security Agency, will be terminated on Friday and not renewed.
The cabinet is said to be split over Covid strategy and the future of testing, with the Treasury pushing to end mass testing as a cost-saving measure [no consideration of human health], while the health secretary, Sajid Javid, wants to retain some free testing to aid community surveillance of the virus.
Higher education leaders were informed of the surprise decision only on Wednesday [16 Feb 2022]. Universities also appear to have been told they cannot distribute any remaining stocks of LFTs past the end of this week [18 Feb 2022].
Alistair Jarvis, the chief executive of Universities UK, which represents vice-chancellors and college leaders, said:
“We are asking government for urgent clarification that universities can continue to distribute test kits from the supplies they have on campus. This makes sense when universities have kits which would otherwise go to waste and while there is still demand from students and staff this term.”
Jo Grady, the general secretary of the University and College Union, accused the government of “playing fast and loose” with the safety of staff and students on campus, and said the decision could jeopardise in-person teaching.
“This approach is reckless_ and may lead to Covid outbreaks being undetected until it is far too late to limit infections. It is also completely irresponsible for the government to make this change at such short notice,” Grady said._
“Ministers must explain how employers are supposed to ensure campuses remain safe when testing is a key health and safety control measure. They must also commit to not abandoning free PCR testing for symptomatic cases. University staff and students need these reassurances urgently.”
Comments
November 1, 2023 08:01
Decisions about COVID-19 testing are geometry dash free often a delicate balancing act between controlling costs and safeguarding public health. Mass testing has played a significant role in identifying cases and reducing transmission, so its discontinuation can be a cause for concern.