UNIVERSITY HALLS ON LOCKDOWN
STUDENT BLAMES PARTIES FOR INCREASE IN COVID CASES AFTER 260 TEST POSITIVE
STUDENTS living in Bristol University halls, which have been placed in lockdown, have posted a huge message in their windows saying: Help.
The Courtrooms, a residence in Bristol City Centre, was shut down on Friday afternoon after 40 students living there tested positive for coronavirus.
It follows 254 students and three staff members testing positive for Covid-19, with the number of cases more than doubling in two days.
In another window, using the same black background and huge white lettering a sign says ‘Hi’ accompanied by a sad face.
Plastered across the halls’ entrance doors are a number of yellow posters saying ‘no visitors allowed’.
Another sign urges everyone who is permitted to enter the building to wear a face mask.
A student living in the Courtrooms has now talked about what life is like at the halls, saying there have been lots of parties.
The 19-year-old, who wished not to be named, said students were panicking when it was announced on Friday morning, with people worrying about food and their education.
She said they were not allowed to go out for anything, adding The Courtrooms only had two exits and both had staff on them to prevent people from leaving.
“We have been isolating since Monday,” she said. “I am surprised we didn’t go into lockdown earlier.
“I know people in five flats in our floor that have tested positive for Covid and I would say every floor has, at least, a couple of flats with people who have tested positive.
“Cases have been going up for quite a while because of all the parties.”
The university now has two mobile testing sites, exclusively for staff and students, at Stoke Bishop and in the city centre.
Professor Sarah Purdy, pro vice-chancellor for student experience, said: “The health and safety of our students is a top priority at this very difficult and challenging time.
“We have been actively monitoring coronavirus case numbers across the university community throughout the pandemic and have implemented a range of planned, increasing measures to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
“This has included the self-isolation of a number of living circles within our residences.
“Having reassessed case numbers with colleagues from the Public Health Team today, we have decided that further measures are appropriate at this stage.
“We know this is a stressful situation and full support is being offered to those affected. This is available 24/7 via our Student Support and Wellbeing teams.
“Regular support and contact with students will ensure everyone is kept up to date and can ask any questions. Our Residential Life teams are ensuring that everyone has access to food, supplies and clean laundry which will be delivered to their door.
“All affected students will continue to access online teaching if they’re well enough.
“We will do everything we can to support the students at The Courtrooms. If everyone follows the rules, we hope that this situation will pass, and things can return to relative normality as quickly as possible.
“We have reminded students it is vitally important to observe self-isolation requirements in line with both the law and our acceptable behaviour policy.
“If necessary, the university will take action to ensure students are following this guidance.”