Coronavirus tests should be compulsory for university students, scientists urge

Experts also want restrictions on parties and in-person teaching, writes Adam Forrest

Experts are worried about the potential for transmission when students return in autumn (PA)

Coronavirus tests should be mandatory for UK university students and staff to help control potential transmission, according to a group of independent experts.

As Britain’s higher education institutions prepare to open up again this autumn, the Independent Sage group of scientists fear crowded campuses could see lead to new outbreaks of the disease.

The group has called for students and staff to undertake compulsory Covid-19 tests – either before they come to campus or as soon as they arrive, as well as submitting to further regular tests.