Legionnaires’ risk at halls of residence
HUNDREDS of Cardiff University students living in halls of residence during lockdown have been forced to move out due to a potential risk of Legionnaires’ disease.
A total of 340 out of the 400 students still living in university-owned halls are being moved into hotels or Cardiff Met accommodation.
The NHS says Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection caught by inhaling droplets of water containing bacteria which cause the infection.
It’s uncommon but can be very serious. It can be caught from air conditioning systems, spa pools, hot tubs, showers, taps and toilets.
Cardiff University stressed the presence of legionella bacteria had not been confirmed, but it is thought it could develop if essential work is not carried out straight away.
It said no students were at an immediate health risk.
There are only around 30 cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported in Wales each year.
The students were asked to only use the cold water kitchen tap, not to shower and to flush the toilet with the lid down.
However, most of those affected were expected to be moved into alternative housing by the end of Wednesday.
A spokesman for Cardiff University said: “To be absolutely clear, the presence of legionella has not been confirmed.
“However, as a precautionary measure, we have asked students to avoid using showers and to close the lids of toilets when flushing.
“Given some of our students will be without access to hot water and showering facilities until the work has been completed, we have taken the decision to temporarily move them to alternative accommodation.
“The final arrangements are being put in place and we expect most students will be moved to alternative accommodation today [Wednesday].
“We are acutely aware this has caused concern at an already difficult and stressful time however, we will not compromise on our students’ safety.”
He said not all locations are affected in the same way.
The university said it would meet the full cost of alternative accommodation as well as transport and students will also be given £30 a day to cover the cost of food.
Some residents living in Senghennydd Court Houses L, N and P, on Salisbury Road, along with those from Talybont South House 9 will be able to return within five days, while those in other buildings will need to be relocated.