University says 770 students are self-isolating and have tested positive for coronavirus
Northumbria University says 770 of its students have tested positive for Covid-19 and are now self-isolating, along with their flatmates and close contacts.
The university said in a 2 October statement that it was providing all its self-isolating students with assistance including food and mental health support.
“The increase in numbers comes in the week after students returned to university and reflects the good access to and availability of testing, as well as rigorous and robust reporting systems,” it said.
“We are making it clear to students that if they break the rules they will be subject to fines from police and disciplinary action…which may include fines, final warnings or expulsion.”
The news came at the end of a week when outbreaks of Covid-19 among student populations have led news bulletins and been discussed in parliament.