Uni testing centres needed urgently say Greens
Responding to the First Minister’s announcement that a single walk-through testing centre is to open in Glasgow on Saturday, and that it will be weeks before similar facilities open in Scotland’s other university towns and cities, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“We saw the testing system break down when children returned to school last month, resulting in families being sent across the country in search of a test. It would be unacceptable if a similar situation occurred again as the university term begins.
“I am pleased that the First Minister has confirmed that a walk-through testing centre will open in Glasgow this weekend, in addition to the existing centre at St Andrews. It is extremely concerning however that no other university town or city will have a similar facility for some weeks.
“For many students this will be their first time living alone, while others arriving from abroad may be unfamiliar with our public health guidance. It’s essential that the Scottish Government works with universities to offer students the support they need to keep themselves and their new communities safe.
“Waiting weeks to establish walk-through testing facilities in university towns and cities is simply asking for trouble, so I once again urge the First Minister to get these facilities in place now.”