Skip to main content
Harper Adams University logo

    Coronavirus testing centre opens at Harper Adams

    Posted 1 October 2020

    “We are conscious of the need to do everything we can to protect our university community and the wider community surrounding our campus."

    A walk-through coronavirus testing facility is now open at Harper Adams University, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for communities.

    Students, staff and local residents with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute. Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 and you can expect your result the next day.

    The site is walk-through only. Accordingly, those being tested will be required to walk to the site, not use their own transport (or taxi or public transport), and follow public health measures, including social distancing, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face-covering throughout (including travelling to and from the testing centre). Parking will not be available on the University campus.

    Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely.

    Testing at the new site started this afternoon, with more appointments available each day. Testing is available for everyone, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

    Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

    Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, advising them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

    Harper Adams University was keen to get the site up and running ahead of its new academic year starting next week.

    University Secretary, Dr Catherine Baxter, said: “We are conscious of the need to do everything we can to protect our university community and the wider community surrounding our campus.

    We are confident in the measures we have put in place to make Harper Adams a COVID secure work and learning environment, but also need to be prepared so anyone who has symptoms can be tested and in the event of a positive case, we can work with the Telford and Wrekin Council to take appropriate actions to minimise the risk of transmission. The Telford and Wrekin Health Protection Hub team have been very helpful in helping us to put in measures for the new academic year.

    “Having the testing centre on campus will allow us to act quickly to ensure anyone displaying symptoms is tested and, in the event of a positive result, their contacts traced and isolated as quickly as possible.”

    Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “Walk-in centres have made it even easier to get a free coronavirus test. If you have symptoms, however mild, please get tested now to help stop the spread of the virus and protect the people around you.

    “The Government continues to scale up testing capacity for coronavirus to protect the vulnerable, support our NHS, and ultimately save lives. This is supported by our NHS Test and Trace service, which will contact you if you test positive or if you have been in close contact with someone who has the virus. I urge anyone with symptoms to book a test today, and anyone contacted by NHS Test and Trace to follow their advice to protect those around them from the virus.”

    Cookies on the Harper Adams University website

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the website. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time.