Student testing programme underway in Scotland to reduce infection rate before Christmas

Students are to be enrolled in two new mass testing programmes as part of an effort to drive down infection rates ahead of Christmas.

University students across Scotland will be tested prior to returning home with residents in 5 high coronavirus areas being included in the new effort.

Communities in Glasgow, Clackmannanshire, Ayrshire and Renfrewshire will be among those taking part.

The effort to drive down the infection rate comes as the UK battles to reduce growing hospital admissions. Much like the rest of Europe, the UK faces a difficult winter and will need to take strong measures to reduce infection rates.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that the new mass testing programme would not mean that people could ignore the rules after they get the all-clear.

The testing follows an outbreak in several Scottish universities that forced students to self-isolate in often cramped halls and difficult conditions.

It is hoped that the new mass testing will lead to a reduction of infections.