Big drop in active cases recorded at university

NEW data shows a further decrease in the number of active Covid-19 cases at the University of Nottingham.

Coronavirus cases have decreased by 84 percent from 14 days ago to leave a total of 241 active cases at the institution on October 25. Two weeks ago that figure stood 1,469 active cases.

The data also shows how a majority of students testing positive for the virus are those living in private accommodation.

A University of Nottingham spokesperson said: “The number of active cases of Covid-19 continues a downward trend, reducing by 84 percent over the last 14 days, to leave a total of 241 active cases at the university.

“Of this total, there are 199 active cases among students. Active cases among staff remain low at 42 cases.”

The number of active cases of Covid-19 are drawn from a total student population of 35,000 and staff population of 10,000.

To deliver faster access to coronavirus testing on campus, two NHS walk-in testing stations are based on University Park Campus and Jubilee Campus. Appointments are bookable online and facilities are open to staff, students and the local community. The university has also developed an in-house testing service specifically designed to tackle asymptomatic transmission and counter the hidden spread of Covid-19 to keep staff, students and the local community safe.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Shearer West, praised students last week for their efforts in curbing the coronavirus outbreak within its community.