By Hundreds of students test positive in Sheffield University Covid outbreak
Almost 500 people have tested positive for coronavirus at the University of Sheffield, it emerged today.
According to an online tracker on the university’s website, 474 students and five staff members have tested positive for Covid-19 since September 28.
Ninety new student cases were recorded yesterday (Sunday), with 81 the day before and 98 on Friday.
A university spokesperson said: “We recognise how difficult it is for students who are new to Sheffield and need to self-isolate because of Covid-19 cases.
“To make sure we are supporting students in the best way possible, we will contact all students who are self-isolating to check on their welfare and offer practical and emotional support.”
University of Sheffield has around 8,000 staff members, and typically a student body of around 29,000.
The spokesperson continued: “We are in regular contact with Sheffield City Council, Public Health England and other partners to make sure that we are sharing information about the local situation and responding to the latest guidance.”
The news comes after a major outbreak was announced at Northumbria University with more than 700 students testing positive.
The latest outbreak also comes after the weekly rate of coronavirus cases soared in dozens of areas in England, following the addition of nearly 16,000 cases that went unreported because of a technical error.
The issue meant there was a delay in efforts by the NHS Test and Trace to find the contacts of those who tested positive for Covid-19.
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