University students in Manchester have been told to self-isolate after 127 tested positive, which has forced around 1,700 students to stay in their rooms for 14-days.
Students at the Birley campus and Cambridge Halls at the Metropolitan University in Manchester have been told to self-isolate even if they are showing no symptoms.
At least 32 universities across the UK have confirmed coronavirus outbreaks, and over 510 infections have been identified among students and staff since they reopened, according to Sky News data up to 25 September.
In Manchester, the University and College Union General secretary Jo Grady said, “We warned last month of the problems with moving thousands of students across the country and the time has come for urgent action from ministers and universities to protect staff and students.
“Manchester Metropolitan University shifting teaching online only for foundation and first-year students exposes the total absurdity of the current position of trying to continue with blended learning.”
Councillor Bev Craig, executive member for adult health and wellbeing for Manchester City Council said, “This is obviously very difficult for all of the young people involved and we will be working with the university and other public services to make sure that any of the students affected get the support they need.
“Students are a vital part of our city, and as part of our plans we expected that numbers could rise as they returned to the city.”
This comes after the government scientific advisory group SAGE said on Friday that the transmission rates has increased from between 1.1 and 1.4 last week to now being between 1.2 and 1.5.
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