A COLLEGE principal was among the first people to be tested as a college launches a coronavirus testing scheme trial in a bid to prevent the virus spreading among staff and students.

On Friday, in preparation for the roll out of mass rapid-result coronavirus testing, New College Durham held its first practice run of administering Covid-19 tests.

The scheme will help safeguard the health of the staff and students and allow students to spend more time onsite by reducing the need to self-isolate.

Testing stations have been set up in the college’s Neville building and sports hall. Many safety measures are in place including Perspex screens, a one-way system, ventilation and hand washing facilities.

All staff volunteers have been equipped with PPE including face coverings, gloves and aprons in line with guidance and training provided from the NHS and DfE.

Principal and chief executive, Andy Broadbent, along with the deputy chief executive, Karl Fairley were the first to volunteer to be tested.

Mr Broadbent said: “Putting the test scheme into action is a hugely important step in getting students back onsite and keeping staff and students safe.

"We anticipate the roll-out of 1,500 tests a week so it’s a large-scale exercise to get up and running.

"So far, the planning is going extremely well. As one of first to be tested today and I was very impressed with our staff volunteers who really put me at ease.

"I would like to say thank you to all the staff who have volunteered and are working incredibly hard to roll out the testing."

College staff have volunteered to take on the roles of test assistant or test processor. Test processors manage the tests to get the results which are turned around in 30 minutes.

Test assistants meet and greet the people being tested and guide them through the test procedure.

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All volunteers took part in virtual training on Thursday, January 14 to prepare them for their new responsibilities.

Joleen Hillary, who works as part of the school engagement team, was keen to help so volunteered to work as a test assistant. 

She said: “I got involved because I want to help get life back to normal. Hopefully, this testing will mean our students can get back on campus and will soon be learning in our fantastic facilities.”

Vice Principal Andy Stephenson, who is leading on the roll-out of the tests, said: “I am delighted with how well the run through went. I was extremely impressed by the large number of staff who have volunteered to take on testing duties alongside their day jobs.

"The virtual training had obviously paid off as the volunteers were well prepared, knowledgeable and reassuring to those being tested.”

The testing will help limit the spread of the virus by identifying asymptomatic cases which currently make up a third of all cases.

The scheme is voluntary. All staff and students who want to take part will be able to access to the testing facilities.