University testing sites vital say Greens
The Scottish Greens have renewed calls on the Scottish Government to accelerate the roll out of walk-through testing centres in university towns and cities after a spate of coronavirus cases were reported, including once instance in which 500 students were told to self-isolate in Dundee.
Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP had repeatedly called on the Scottish Government to open these sites before universities terms started, but so far only sites at St Andrews and Glasgow Caledonian universities have opened.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“Scottish Greens have been warning for weeks that we risked chaos if walk-through testing facilities weren’t open and operational in our university towns and cities. Now students across the country are locked down, struggling to access tests and there seems no prospect of these facilities opening before October.
“Communal living, living alone for the first time, and unfamiliarity with public health guidance put students at extra risk. The Scottish Government has had months to plan for the start of term yet we are now faced with entirely predictable problems.
“Students are already experiencing this unacceptable situation with hundreds forced to self-isolate. Waiting weeks to establish walk-through testing facilities in university towns and cities is simply asking for more trouble, so I once again urge the First Minister to get these facilities in place now.”