More than seven hundred students test positive for coronavirus at Northumbria University
Video report by ITV News Health Editor Emily Morgan
Northumbria University say they are aware of 770 of their students who have tested positive for COVID-19 of whom 78 are symptomatic. These students are all now self-isolating, as are their flatmates and any close contacts.
At Newcastle University, 94 students and 7 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
Both Northumbria, and Newcastle University say their 'COVID response teams' are working to get in touch with anyone who may have been in contact with the students, and say:"We are supporting all those 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."
Report from our reporter Julia Barthram:
A spokesperson from Northumbria Students’ Union said:
“We’ve adapted the use of our buildings and the services we provide to ensure that students enjoy a great start to their university experience, whilst taking every precaution to limit the spread of the virus.
“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.”
Newcastle University have also released a statement, saying:
Newcastle City Council have been made aware of the situation and say they're working with the Universities to manage the outbreak.
The Diocese of Newcastle had to appeal for volunteers to help deliver food parcels to Northumbria Student's.