300 students ordered to self-isolate at Bristol University

Bristol University has reported more than 80 cases of coronavirus and has ordered 300 out of over 5,000 students to self-isolate.

A flurry of coronavirus cases has broken out at one halls of residence and those who live in The Courtrooms accommodation block can “only socialise” with those who are living within their “circle from this afternoon.”

The university warned students that they will “take action” to enforce the measures.

Professor Sarah Purdy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience at Bristol University said, “Having reassessed case numbers with colleagues from the Public Health Team today, we have decided that further measures are appropriate at this stage.”

The university are supporting three staff members and 245 students who have tested positive.

On Thursday, Newcastle University has reported that more than 1,000 students and staff have tested positive for coronavirus.

Newcastle University said a further 12 staff members from its 6,500 employees have tested positive, and 1,003 students out of 28,000 at the campus were also infected between 1 to 7 October.

Last Friday, Northumbria University announced that 770 students had tested positive for coronavirus, and students are now self-isolating for 14 -days and their flatmates have been told to get tested “as soon as possible.”

Scientific experts have warned that universities are “human petri dishes” for spreading coronavirus as students have travelled from all parts of the UK and are sharing accommodation.

More than 50 universities are now experiencing outbreaks and coronavirus infections are currently the highest amongst 17 to 24-year olds.