Edinburgh University has told students that they won't be forced to take a coronavirus test in order to return from the festive break, but they will be expected to make a phased return to campus.
Students will now be asked to return in four phases which will take place over the weeks between 4th January to 12th February, with priority given to students who are starting professional or clinical placements in early January.
The university are also offering offering asymptomatic Covid-19 testing to students between Thursday 7 January – Friday 12 February 2021, but they say this is voluntary and students "do not need to have been tested in order to attend in-person teaching."
It come as hundreds of staff and students tested positive for coronavirus after students returned back to campus in September.
Issuing advice on coronavirus testing for students returning, Edinburgh University said: "To support the safe return of our students to our campuses after the winter break, we will be offering asymptomatic Covid-19 testing from Thursday 7 January – Friday 12 February 2021.
"The tests are voluntary and you do not need to have been tested in order to attend in-person teaching."
"But we strongly encourage you to book a test if you are returning to Edinburgh from another part of the UK.
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"This will reduce the risk of you passing Covid-19 onto others when you and/or your housemates return to Edinburgh."
