Statement on plans for safe return of students in January

‘We welcome this decision by Welsh Government to allow universities the flexibility to implement a staggered approach to the start of term. This will enable institutions to maximise their testing capacity so that Covid-safe, in-person teaching can resume.

‘Asymptomatic testing will continue in January to support the return. A huge amount of effort by university staff and students has gone into getting this scheme up and running and the demand for tests shows that students understand the important role testing can play in keeping themselves and their communities safe.

‘We would like to thank students for their continued efforts to support the national response to managing coronavirus. As a sector we can be proud of how our students, staff and communities have responded to the challenges posed across society by the pandemic.

‘The safety and wellbeing of students, staff and local communities remains the top priority for universities in Wales.’