Glasgow Uni sets up ‘pop up’ testing centre to test hundreds of students after outbreak

Glasgow University has been quick to organise a “mobile testing unit on-site at Murano” halls run by the NHS, following the news of 124 infections in Glasgow Uni halls.

The testing unit, which was held between 10am to 6pm, was there to confirm the true number of cases at Murano – which has over a thousand residents. With 600 students self-isolating across all Glasgow Uni accommodations, the university has been quick to implement strict measures.

Yesterday The Tab Glasgow reported that students living in three university accommodations: Murano, Cairncross and Queen Margaret have been infected by COVID-19 beginning Saturday. The university reported the number of infections to be 124 later in the day, but said the true number is “likely to be more”.

The University confirmed two “significant” clusters at Cairncross and Murano Street Student Village respectively. An email sent by the Murano Street staff this morning urged students to get tested if they experienced any symptoms of COVID-19.

Multiple slots were made available which were sufficient for all residents at Murano. Social distancing was adhered to while individuals carried sanitiser and wore a facial covering at all times. The staff were well equipped with adequate testing kits and the walkthrough testing unit was sanitised after every use. A Murano resident told The Glasgow Tab she could see the line from her window and watched “hundreds” of students being tested from 10am onwards.

Even though university halls have been affected, the university reassured students that the “campuses remain safe to visit and use.”

Furthermore, if the state of COVID-19 cases at university halls worsens, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock stated that he won’t rule out the option of asking students to stay on campus during Christmas to contain the spread of COVID-19.