Bermuda College has introduced a raft of safety measures including weekly saliva testing for students in light of the prevalence of the Covid-19 Delta variant.

As of August 30, students returning to-face-to-face classes must show a negative Covid-19 test result received within the previous 72 hours at a security checkpoint when they arrive at the college.

Students who are on campus more than once a week are required to take weekly saliva screening tests, while there are optional saliva screening tests for those taking only one class and who are only on campus once a week.

A spokeswoman for Bermuda College said: “Bermuda College’s goal for the upcoming academic year is to return to face-to-face classes while keeping our campus open and Covid-free.

“To that end, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues and the presence of the Delta variant on the island increases, [there are] health and safety requirements and protocols that will be in effect for the fall 2021 semester.”

Tests will be conducted by the Government’s Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory from 10am to 3pm in the former cafeteria in the Student Hall and test results will be available within six to eight hours.

Students will be assigned to groups based on their surname and will be tested on a particular day from Monday to Thursday. Testing by surname will be confirmed on August 23 via e-mail.

Students must not eat, drink or chew gum for 30 minutes prior to testing and they will be given a wristband on completion of their screening.

Negative tests will be sent to the student while positive test results will be sent to the student’s doctor or GP who will contact them directly.

The spokeswoman added: “Under no circumstances will your test results, whether positive or negative, be shared with Bermuda College.”

There will be temperature checks at the Tech Hall and Bookstore security checkpoints and students are asked to arrive on campus at least 15 minutes before the start of their class.

Health check forms will be available via the Bermuda College website. Students who are on campus are required to submit a signed form along with their negative test result weekly. Those only taking one class and who are only on campus once a week must also sign a form at the security checkpoint when arriving on campus.

The college warned students not to visit the campus if they do not feel well and advised them to contact their division heads to make arrangements for any missed classes.

The college issued face mask and shield guidance as per the government’s requirements. Masks must be worn indoors but not outdoors unless the space is crowded. In-person meetings may be scheduled by request and masks, face shields or masks and portable Plexiglas must be used.

Students can check the website as of next Monday for any additional information and they can also e-mail covid_protocol@college.bm

The spokeswoman added: “Thank you for your understanding and support for these measures, as we move towards Bermuda College’s safe reopening for face-to-face classes.

“As the impact of the coronavirus on the island is ever changing, we will re-evaluate our health and safety strategies on a regular basis and update when necessary. ”