500 Dundee students to self-isolate after three Covid cases confirmed

Hundreds of Dundee students are selfisolating after three confirmed cases of Covid-19 linked to city universities’ accommodation.

NHS Tayside’s health protection team confirmed the outbreak connected to Parker House, which provides private student accommodation to Abertay and Dundee University students.

One of the positive cases is a student at Abertay University and close contacts are being traced.

All 500 residents staying at the halls have been told to quarantine until further contact tracing has been completed.

Dr Daniel Chandler, associate director of public health, said: “We know from outbreaks in other university settings across Scotland that the virus can spread very quickly in student accommodation.

“Therefore, as a precautionary measure, we are contacting all residents of Parker House and advising them to self-isolate immediately.

“Further investigation and contact tracing are continuing and we will review this advice in the coming days.

“It is really important that any residents who develop symptoms book a test as soon as possible.”

The announcement comes days after the end of the official Abertay Freshers’ Week, which closed on Sunday. Freshers’ Week for new Dundee University students begins this Saturday.

The traditional welcome week for new students has come under increasing focus after a coronavirus outbreak at St Andrews University was linked to an illegal freshers’ week party in a halls of residence in the town.

It is not yet known if the Abertay student who tested positive is a fresher.

Professor Nigel Seaton, principal of Abertay University, posted a video on social media yesterday afternoon saying the university was providing isolating students with food, support and, where necessary, financial assistance.

He said the campus remained “safe to learn” and asked students to follow recent Scottish Government advice banning social gatherings.

He said: “The university already has enhanced cleaning and safety measures in place on campus, in line with national guidance, and the campus will remain open.

“We have contacted students and staff to remind them of their personal responsibilities in relation to Covid-19 safety and to inform them of changes in Scottish Government guidance.”

A Dundee University spokesman said they had a number of students staying in Parker House.

He said: “All have been informed they will have to follow the selfisolation guidance.

“We have also written to all of our students and staff to update them of the situation, and giving guidance related to the first minister’s announcement yesterday, particularly around no visits to other households and flats.

“Support will be offered to students who are self-isolating.”

Scott Quinn, president of the Dundee University Students Association, said they were working hard to ensure coming to university remained an “exciting experience”.

He said: “We understand that the request for all Parker House residents to self-isolate was a cautionary measure to prevent further transmission of Covid-19 by the small number of students showing symptoms.

“We are working to support them.”