120 university students and two staff members test positive for coronavirus

BRISTOL City Council has issued a statement after the University of Bristol revealed last night almost 120 students had tested positive for coronavirus.

Last week, the university confirmed multiple coronavirus cases among its student population and said “a very small number of students” had contracted Covid-19, but did not release an exact number.

But official figures on the organisation’s website on Wednesday show the number of infected students now stands at 119, together with two staff members.

Christina Gray, Bristol’s director of public health, said: “As in other parts of the country, a number of our city’s student population have tested positive for Covid-19.

“Positive cases among the student population was inevitable as universities reopened, and the university has had plans in place to respond to this quickly and effectively.

“The response highlights that students with symptoms are being proactive in getting tested.

“We’d like to thank students for being so responsible by doing so and self-isolating until their results come back negative.

“Students’ wellbeing is paramount and we will continue to work closely with the university to ensure students who are self-isolating are fully supported.”

The statement said Bristol City Council and Public Health England (PHE) were working closely with the University of Bristol, adding any individuals who had been in close contact with the students have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14 days in line with government advice.

The two members of staff who tested positive for the virus have since worked from home and have not attended campus, the statement said.

Pro vice chancellor for student experience at the University of Bristol Professor Sarah Purdy said: “We continue to monitor the situation closely with PHE and the local public health team, and welfare support is being provided for students and staff.

“We are committed to ensuring students’ health and safety and protecting the local community and robust plans are in place should the situation escalate.”

When the pandemic first hit the UK in March, a student at Bristol University was one of the first five cases confirmed in the city, with the student having just returned to Bristol from a trip abroad.

The University of the West of England (UWE) said on Friday last week it had one positive test and the student, based at the Frenchay Campus, was not symptomatic.

UWE said yesterday it had three positive cases.