A total of 17 students have tested positive for the virus in Manchester and it is not yet known if they are infected with the Indian variant.
A “small and limited” outbreak happened at a single teaching group at Manchester College’s Nicholls Campus in Ardwick, the cases are being treated as possible variants of concern.
Official have said the test results have been sent for genomic sequencing to confirm if they are the Indian variant.
1,300 students and 80 staff are being encouraged to get a PCR test at two mobile testing units which are at the college to try and prevent any further spread of the virus within the college and the community.
David Regan, director of public health for Manchester said, “With the reopening of the economy as well as the return of students to educational settings, we have anticipated a scenario like this.
“Testing units will be at The Manchester College for the next three days to ensure that any further spread of Covid is contained, and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the student population and wider community.
“We know that incidents like this will happen from time to time as we learn to live with the virus but it is imperative that we remain vigilant and keep wearing our masks, maintain social distancing and wash our hands regularly.”
This comes as there has been at least 80 confirmed cases of the Indian variant at a school in Bedford.
The Indian variant is a huge concern for people working in schools as it is spreading fast amongst younger people who have not yet been vaccinated.
The Bedford Academy has had 50 confirmed Indian variant cases just this half term alone and as a result some 300 people are now having to self-isolate.
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