Uni confirms 44 cases of COVID-19

The University of Sunderland has confirmed that 40 students and four staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.

The university said that it is working with health officials and Sunderland City Council following the outbreak of coronavirus cases on Monday, which have seen 44 of its students and staff members testing positive for COVID-19. All of those affected are receiving support from the university and cases are being managed according to Public Health England requirements, the university has confirmed.

A University of Sunderland spokesman said: "As of Monday, a number of people in the University of Sunderland community have tested positive for COVID-19, this includes 40 students and four staff.

"All of those affected are receiving university support and cases are being managed according to public health requirements.

"Across the university, we have detailed plans in place to manage such situations and we are following these closely. “These plans include working with Public Health England to gather information, as well as to support and advise students who have tested positive or are selfisolating with symptoms.” The university stressed that it remains confident in its procedures to protect the health and wellbeing of its students and staff.

A University of Sunderland spokesman continued: "University staff are in contact with the city council and health officials and continue to follow agreed procedures and guidance.”