770 students at Northumbria University test positive for Covid-19

2 October 2020, 17:07 | Updated: 2 October 2020, 17:50

770 students at Northumbria University have tested positive for coronavirus
770 students at Northumbria University have tested positive for coronavirus. Picture: Google
Nick Hardinges

By Nick Hardinges

770 students at Northumbria University in Newcastle have tested positive for Covid-19, of whom 78 are symptomatic.

More than 50 universities in the UK have so far confirmed cases of coronavirus as thousands of students return to campuses across the country.

One survey has suggested that there have been more than 2,000 infections identified among students and staff.

A spokesperson for Northumbria University confirmed the outbreak early Friday evening and said all those affected are now self-isolating, along with anyone they have come into close contact with, such as flatmates.

"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," the spokesperson said.

"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."

Read more: Donald Trump and wife Melania test positive for Covid-19

Read more: UK's coronavirus R number rises to between 1.3 and 1.6

Students may have to self-isolate to return home for Christmas

All students who have gone into quarantine at the institution are being supported, the university explained, and they are being provided with food and other essential items, including welfare and mental health support.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Students' Union said they were also providing assistance to those affected by the outbreak.

“In cases where students are isolating we're pleased to be able to support safe isolation, with our student volunteers assisting with grocery deliveries to accommodation, and by enabling virtual attendance to our society events," the spokesperson said.

Councillor Irim Ali of Newcastle City Council urged students not to undermine the efforts made by universities to get them back in classes safely and as swiftly as possible.

“Students contribute a great deal to Newcastle; they are an important part of our city's make up and we want them to enjoy their time here safely," he said.

Watch: SNP MP comes under fire for bringing coronavirus to Commons

Watch: James O'Brien reacts to Donald Trump testing positive for Covid-19

Human rights lawyer says student lockdown is 'legally dicey'

Cllr Ali added: "We would ask that they take every effort to understand Covid specific legislation, self-isolate and book a test if they develop symptoms and do their bit to help this city through the pandemic.

"Most are already doing this, but if we are to beat the virus, we need a collective effort.”

Elsewhere, there have been more than 200 cases at the University of Sheffield while 177 University of Liverpool staff and students have tested positive for the virus, according to a Press Association news agency survey which contacted 140 institutions.

Around 56 universities across the UK have had at least one confirmed case of Covid-19, an analysis of university responses and media reports suggests, equating to roughly 2,500 infections.

The findings come as the University of Manchester - where there have been 221 cases of Covid-19 - apologised for "conflicting information" given to students from some residential staff about isolation.

Government is ‘pro spit, pro breath and pro poo’ on student testing

However, not all cases among students and staff have been reported "on campus", with some occurring in local communities or in private halls of residence.

Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, vice president for higher education at the National Union of Students (NUS), said: "The rise of Covid rates at universities needs drastic action now.

"It is deeply irresponsible to continue with business as usual and the government and universities must be honest with students about what the pandemic can mean for their university experience."

She said: "Fully accessible online education must become a reality immediately and we need digital investment at a national scale to make this happen."

Speaking at an independent Sage meeting on Friday, Professor Christina Pagel from University College London (UCL) said: "I think we have to acknowledge that students need to be supported at university and it shouldn't kind of be a blame game."

She added: "If you stuck me in the house with seven strangers, I'm much more likely to get Covid than I am where I am now, and I think that has to be acknowledged."

Listen & subscribe: Global Player | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Police have released images of a man they want to speak to

Manhunt for rapist who attacked two women in London four years apart - and 'probably targeted more victims'

Louis Gossett Jr. has died aged 87

Louis Gossett Jr, first black man to win Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, dies aged 87

Jeffrey Donaldson

DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson 'charged with historic sex offences' as he steps down as party leader

Russia bombed Ukrainian infrastructure overnight

Russia launches 'massive attack' on Ukraine's power supplies, with 'energy security under growing threat'

Newry Magistrates' Court

Man, 61, charged with non-recent sexual offences in Northern Ireland

Drivers queuing in Dover on Friday morning

Holidaymakers hit with 2-hour Dover ferry waits amid strong winds, as 2.6m hit the roads for Good Friday getaway

The attack happened on a train in south London

Teenager charged with attempted murder after south London train stabbing, with victim still in critical condition

Mother Natalie Pinnell

Mother left in tears after daughter with complex needs 'erased' from school photo

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard have both been nominated to the Garrick Club

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard among seven women nominated for membership of all-male Garrick Club

Exclusive
Anneliese Dodds said Labour would make sure local people have 'skin in the game' with tackling inequality

'Rebuild has to start from ground up,' Labour's Anneliese Dodds says, and 'local people must have skin in the game'

Mohamed Mansour has been awarded a knighthood

Conservatives accused of 'cronyism' after donor who gave £5 million awarded knighthood in surprise honours list

Exclusive
Justin Welby recalled his experience of coping with his father's drinking as a teenager.

‘It was utterly isolating’: Archbishop of Canterbury recalls harrowing childhood with alcoholic father

More than 2 million drivers are set to hit the road on Good Friday.

Easter Carmageddon: Over two million drivers to hit the road on Good Friday after Storm Nelson travel chaos

Michael Gove has slammed the water firm as a 'disgrace'.

Thames Water bosses branded a ‘disgrace’ as Michael Gove tells firm ‘not to punish consumers’ for its failings

South Africa Bus Crash

Girl, 8, the sole survivor as 45 die in bus crash off South Africa bridge

A spokesman has denied reports the sausage dog could be banned.

The wurst news is over: Germany denies claims of sausage dog ban