University of Exeter secures partnership with Halo for rapid Covid-19 tests
Exeter University has promised rapid testing and same-day results for students after partnering with Halo, the first commercial provider of a saliva-based PCR test in the UK for Covid-19.
The new deal will allow the University to identify coronavirus cases in real-time by obtaining a spit sample from any student reporting COVID-19 like symptoms. Those with positive test results will be alerted by the university within 24-36 hours of taking a test.
An MHRA approved container will be used to collect the participant’s saliva before it is analyzed using the same science behind the national testing database. All test results will then be passed on to the national Test and Trace system.
Students have also recently been informed about a Rapid Response Hub that has been set up for people to report symptoms and request tests, with the hope that early intervention and a close eye will prevent any cluster cases on campus.
Test and trace have now been brought in to support the testing of students due to high demands for tests.
Editor: Elen Johnston
