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Mass Outbreak At UK University Sees 770 Students Test Positive For Covid-19

Mass Outbreak At UK University Sees 770 Students Test Positive For Covid-19

Only around 10 percent are showing symptoms

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

At least 770 students have tested positive for coronavirus in a mass outbreak at Northumbria University.

All the affected students are now self-isolating, with only around 10 percent of them showing symptoms.

A spokesperson for the university said: "As of Friday October 2, we can confirm that we are aware of 770 Northumbria University students who have tested positive for Covid-19, of whom 78 are symptomatic.

Northumbria University.
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"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."

Universities up and down the country are experiencing Covid-19 infections among students.

Just last week, there was an outbreak at The University of Glasgow, with 124 students testing positive following freshers week events.

According to the BBC, the cases clustered in two halls of residence in the city, at the Murano Street and Cairncross sites.

The university has said the actual number of infected students is 'likely to be higher', with 600 pupils isolating in total, and suggested social activity at the beginning of freshers week was likely responsible.

In a statement, university officials said: "We are working closely with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's public health team to manage these.

"The total number of reported cases since the start of term is 124 but the actual number is likely to be higher.

"Over 600 students are isolating across all residences. We are not aware of any students who have had to receive hospital treatment."

Meanwhile, in the north west, two halls of residence at Manchester Metropolitan University have been quarantined after 127 students tested positive for coronavirus.

Around 1,700 students at Birley campus and Cambridge Halls have been ordered to stay inside, it was confirmed last Friday (25 September).

Students at Birley campus have been told to isolate.
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Speaking about the outbreak, public health director for Manchester David Regan said it was important to act quickly in order to get the situation under control.

He said: "An important part of Manchester's Local Response and Prevention Plan for coronavirus is to keep a close eye on the data and act swiftly and decisively where an outbreak is identified in order to contain the virus.

"That's what we've done here."

Manchester City Council said a number of measures had been implemented to provide students with support.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, Coronavirus