Evacuation-style operation to get university students home safely for Christmas in full swing

Staggered departure dates have started across Yorkshire and England for the Government's evacuation-style operation to get students home safely for Christmas.

Students from universities in the region started making their journeys home yesterday at the start of the Government’s “travel window”, which will run until December 9.

The window was devised so students can return home after the four-week lockdown, while minimising the risk of them spreading Covid-19.

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At the start of the week the student mass Covid testing happened across Yorkshire universities and others in the UK to enable a "safe" Christmas exodus.

Pictured people at Leeds railway station. The students at universities across Yorkshire and England were allowed to start travelling home from yesterday as part of the Government's travel window. Danny Lawson/PAPictured people at Leeds railway station. The students at universities across Yorkshire and England were allowed to start travelling home from yesterday as part of the Government's travel window. Danny Lawson/PA
Pictured people at Leeds railway station. The students at universities across Yorkshire and England were allowed to start travelling home from yesterday as part of the Government's travel window. Danny Lawson/PA

To further minimise risk staggered departures have been set throughout the week for students.

In West Yorkshire Anji Gardiner, is the student services director for the University of Hull, who has been organising the staggered departures.

As well as slots for those being collected by car - which run from 7am-8pm - there are coaches being laid on and a booking system for the limited capacity on trains, with the numbers travelling spread out across the week.

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Dr Gardiner said: "We want to keep it safe - we didn't want a log-jam of people trying to get home."

Pictured, mass testing taking place at the University of Hull this week. Before leaving for Christmas, students have been encouraged to have two tests three days apart - and to travel within 24 hours of receiving a second negative test result. Photo credit: Simon Hulme/ JPIMediaResellPictured, mass testing taking place at the University of Hull this week. Before leaving for Christmas, students have been encouraged to have two tests three days apart - and to travel within 24 hours of receiving a second negative test result. Photo credit: Simon Hulme/ JPIMediaResell
Pictured, mass testing taking place at the University of Hull this week. Before leaving for Christmas, students have been encouraged to have two tests three days apart - and to travel within 24 hours of receiving a second negative test result. Photo credit: Simon Hulme/ JPIMediaResell

Louis, a first year student at the University of Hull, will be collected by his parents, with the university running one-hour slots so there are "not so many leaving at once".

He said the Covid testing and travel window have been uncomplicated so far.

Previously there had been concerns voiced when the Government travel plans were announced in November that the tight timescale for a mass movement of students “left little room for error.”

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And the University and College Union (UCU) has said the Government’s plans were “riddled with holes.”

At the University of Hull, an asymptomatic testing site opened on Monday (30 November) at the institute’s Allam Sport Centre. Photo credit: Simon Hulme/ JPIMediaResellAt the University of Hull, an asymptomatic testing site opened on Monday (30 November) at the institute’s Allam Sport Centre. Photo credit: Simon Hulme/ JPIMediaResell
At the University of Hull, an asymptomatic testing site opened on Monday (30 November) at the institute’s Allam Sport Centre. Photo credit: Simon Hulme/ JPIMediaResell

But to help aid the mass movement of students in the region Yorkshire Universities – a group representing 12 institutions in the region – met two weeks ago with all leaders of local authorities across Yorkshire to discuss any issues that may arise - including any added pressures on transport systems.

Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said: "We know this Christmas will feel different, and after this incredibly difficult year we are absolutely committed to getting students back to their loved ones in time for the Christmas break.

"With the national lockdown measures, staggered leave times, safer travel guidance and any additional assurances from testing, we are confident transmission can be controlled, and we can enable these students to have the Christmas break they deserve."

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Many students heading home this week will now not be returning to their universities for another nine weeks - after the government in England announced a staggered start to next term, with some students not back until 7 February.

Students will be offered two lateral flow Covid tests when they arrive back - similar to the process for their departure. Photo credit: Simon Hulme/ JPIMediaResellStudents will be offered two lateral flow Covid tests when they arrive back - similar to the process for their departure. Photo credit: Simon Hulme/ JPIMediaResell
Students will be offered two lateral flow Covid tests when they arrive back - similar to the process for their departure. Photo credit: Simon Hulme/ JPIMediaResell

The plan, to avoid a surge of students and the risk of spreading coronavirus, will see students returning over five weeks in the new year - with most courses starting online before a return to in-person teaching.

Students will be offered two lateral flow Covid tests when they arrive back - similar to the process for their departure.

Before leaving for Christmas, students have been encouraged to have two tests three days apart - and to travel within 24 hours of receiving a second negative test result.

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Momoh Suleman, studying social work at the University of Bradford, has had two Covid tests this week before getting the train home to Manchester.

"It's the best idea to keep our families safe," he said.

He added it was right to have a staggered return if it reduced the risk of infection.

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