Festive closure, survey results and latest testing figures

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Welcome to the first issue of your new TestEd newsletter!


We will be sharing updates on the progress of the project, including our latest testing figures, along with insights from our expert team on the current COVID-19 situation in Scotland.


In this month's issue, we're also sharing details of the holiday closure and results from the first survey of TestEd users. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone you think may be interested.


Thank you to everyone who is already taking part in TestEd. You are helping to keep campus safe as well as contributing to this important research project. Please continue to give samples when you can.


>> Sign up to receive our newsletter direct to your inbox

Expert view

Professor Linda Bauld shares her perspective on COVID-19 events of the past week.


This week's update includes:

  • Latest figures from Scotland
  • Estimates of vaccine efficacy at preventing deaths
  • Insights on the new omicron variant


>> Click to watch the video

(Recorded Saturday 27 November 2021)

News

Festive closure

Our dedicated TestEd team will be taking a break over the festive period. The final day for sample collection before the winter break will be Friday 17 December, with results returned the following day as usual. All sites will reopen on Thursday 6 January. 

Survey reveals users' support

In April 2021, around 500 TestEd participants completed the first of our online surveys. The results, outlined below, reveal overwhelming support:

  • 99% rated their experience as 'excellent' or 'good';
  • 90% believe results are accurate and felt reassured to work and study safely on campus;
  • 88% reported taking less than 5 minutes to provide a sample.


Users also highlighted areas for improvement, and we have responded accordingly. These include:

  • Booths for privacy provided at all sites;
  • Clearer information and map showing sample collection sites listed on TestEd website;
  • Weekly testing results including the number of positive tests returned via the programme available on TestEd website.


A further survey circulated in November 2021 aims to build on these early findings to better understand attitudes towards asymptomatic testing and the TestEd approach.


>> Click here to read the full report (pdf)

Our latest results

All figures are accurate to week ending 28 November 2021.

>> View weekly results
Ask us anything!

Do you have questions about the TestEd project or the COVID-19 pandemic that you would like to ask our experts? We will do our best to answer your questions in our next newsletter.

>> Ask our experts

Learn more about TestEd

TestEd is a research project that is testing a new high throughput method for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus in people before they develop symptoms of COVID-19. TestEd uses spit samples rather than nasal swabs and uses PCR, which is the most accurate method for detecting the virus.


You can find more information about TestEd, including how to join, on our website.


How do I join?

Where can I give a sample?

How do I give a sample?

>> Register for TestEd

Connect with us

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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