770 Northumbria University students test positive for Covid-19
770 students at Northumbria University have tested positive for Covid-19.
770 students at Northumbria University have tested positive for Covid-19.
They're all now self-isolating for two weeks, along with their flatmates and any others they've been in contact with.
90 percent of them didn't have any symptoms.
It comes as there are also reports 94 students, and 7 staff members at Newcastle University have also tested positive.
Northumbria University have released a statement:
"At Northumbria University we believe we have a duty to our students, staff and wider community to provide the best possible teaching and research, despite the challenges that we face locally, nationally and globally. We are committed to ensuring that we provide the teaching and learning experience this generation of students deserves. Throughout this, the health safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and community is paramount.
"As of Friday 2 October, we can confirm that we are aware of 770 Northumbria University students who have tested positive for Covid-19 of whom 78 are symptomatic. These students are all now self-isolating. Their flatmates and any close contacts are also self-isolating for 14 days in line with government guidance, and have been advised to contact NHS119 to book a test as soon as possible should symptoms appear.
"We are supporting all students who are self-isolating, providing them with food and other essential items, as well as welfare support including 24/7 online mental health support and one-to-one support from our wellbeing teams where required which is accessible through multiple channels. We are supporting students with food, laundry, cleaning materials and other welfare support, working together with our Students’ Union, the City Council and other partners.
"Northumbria University students are able to continue their learning remotely with additional academic support in place to make sure they are not being disadvantaged if they miss any face to face teaching during their isolation period.
"The increase in numbers comes in the week after students returned to university and reflects the good access to and availability of testing, as well as rigorous and robust reporting systems. In parts of the UK where universities started term earlier, numbers of student cases surged in induction week, and then reduced.
"We are making it clear to students that if they break the rules they will be subject to fines from police and disciplinary action by the Universities which may include fines, final warnings or expulsion.
"Both Northumbria and Newcastle Universities have Covid Response Teams on call that are working closely with NHS Test and Trace, Public Health England North East and the City to identify and get in touch with anyone who has been in close contact with those affected. This is so we can help reduce the spread of the virus and keep our colleagues, students and the community safe. We are also encouraging all students and staff to download the NHS Covid-19 App and as part of our efforts to control the spread of the virus we are also undertaking enhanced cleaning in the spaces used by these students.
"Both universities have been driving campaigns with their 50,000 students prior to, and since, their arrival in the City to reinforce their role in keeping themselves, each other and the wider community safe. We are committed to doing everything we can to minimise risks and to ensure that the return of our students to the region happens as safely as possible for everyone. "