Covid cases linked with uni centre
CLEANING HAS INCREASED
DE Montfort University has confirmed 20 cases of coronavirus as thousands of students and staff have been returning to restart the term.
The Mercury understands four of the cases were associated with the university’s Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee leisure centre, in Braunstone Gate.
In a statement, De Montfort University said nine staff and 11 students have tested positive for Covid19.
A spokesman said: “We are working to ensure appropriate actions are being taken to protect staff and students.
“We have undertaken enhanced cleaning of areas of campus involved.
“The safety of our staff and students is always our priority – especially this year – and across the university we have clear social distancing, hygiene and face-covering policies.
“We have put in place a wide range of precautionary measures on our campus, including sanitisation points, a bespoke contact tracing system, clear signage promoting social distancing and enhanced cleaning schedules.
“We also have clear plans which set out what we will do in the event of any confirmed cases of Covid-19 and are linking with Public Health England, Leicester City Council and other public bodies.”
Both De Montfort and Leicester universities have said they are working to make sure students understand they have a vital part to play in preventing the transmission of Covid-19.
Professor Andy Collop, interim vice-chancellor at De Montfort, said: “We are actively encouraging our students and staff to consider how their actions can help protect not only each other, but the wider community of Leicester city, too.
“We have worked throughout the summer to make our campus Covidsecure and we will continue to offer guidance and clear instructions to our students.”
Professor Nishan Canagarajah, president and vice-chancellor at the University of Leicester, said: “We would like to reassure the city of Leicester and its residents that the joint priority of both universities remains the health and safety of our staff, students and our community.”
Meanwhile, Loughborough University has about 20 students selfisolating after two cases of coronavirus were confirmed.
The university has said the two infected students live in separate households on campus.