Covid University of Bristol and UWE confirm over 100 cases in one week
MORE than 100 Covid cases have been recorded at the two universities in Bristol in just over a week.
The University of Bristol has recorded the highest number of cases since last Wednesday, with 91 cases confirmed since then.
The vast majority of cases have been recorded among students, with only four staff members testing positive with Covid-19.
The University of Bristol currently has 58 “active cases” among students, meaning the student is yet to finish their 10 day self-isolation period.
A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “Reflecting the trend of rising cases across Bristol, over the past week there has been an increase in the number of students who have tested positive for coronavirus, though in recent days the number of new cases has fallen back.
“We are supporting those who are currently having to self-isolate in our residences.
“A new mobile testing unit has been opened in Stoke Bishop for local residents, and all staff and students at the University of Bristol who have symptoms of Covid-19.
“Students who are registered with our Students’ Health Service have been invited to book an appointment at a special student vaccination clinic.
“We are working closely with colleagues from Bristol City Council and Public Health England to closely monitor the situation.”
In comparison, the University of the West of England had 14 cases between Tuesday, June 15, and Monday, June 21, the latest data available.
Of these 14 cases, 11 were recorded as being off campus.
The University of Bristol was the first university in the city to confirm an outbreak back in October and more than 2,000 coronavirus cases ended up being confirmed there, meaning it is among the institutions in the city to have seen the biggest Covid-19 outbreaks.
The semester at the University of Bristol finished last week, while UWE’s summer term finishes in August.
The news comes after the Mayor of Bristol has said “everything is on the table” when it comes to dealing with a rise in Covid cases in Bristol schools.
In Bristol, the city’s health chief issued a stark warning on Monday, saying Bristol is once again at a critical point as cases are ‘rising rapidly every day across the city.’