Outbreak is linked to party

A MAJOR coronavirus outbreak has been linked to a student party in Dundee’s West End.

A total of 36 positive Covid-19 cases have been traced to the gathering at Springfield on March 14.

The flat is just yards from Dundee University’s main campus off Perth Road, and 34 of the cases are students.

Professor Iain Gillespie, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, said: “We are deeply concerned by this outbreak of cases among some of our students, which has been linked to a gathering in a private residence.”

He added: “We have been constantly reminding all students of the need to follow all of the Covid guidelines, particularly around social gathering and the limits which are in place for us all, and we have issued further strong reminders in light of this outbreak, with the support of the students’ association.”

It comes just a few days after the university emailed all students about a spike in cases.

As many as 200 people were also seen celebrating St Patrick’s Day at Magdalen Green on Wednesday.

A multi-agency Incident Management Team (IMT) is now working with the university to prevent further spread of the virus.

Dr Kirsty Licence, public health consultant and chairwoman of the IMT, said: “Contact tracing is continuing and it is really important that all students who have been identified as close contacts, and anyone who develops symptoms, selfisolates and books a PCR test as soon as possible.

“I would also urge students who test positive to provide information about all their recent contacts when called by Test and Protect.”