Student 'party' in Scotland linked to coronavirus outbreak after 36 test positive

Jimmy Nsubuga
·2 min read
The University of Dundee in Scotland, Britain April 7, 2017. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
The University of Dundee in Scotland. (Reuters)

A student party in Scotland has been linked to a COVID-19 outbreak after 36 people tested positive for the virus.

At least 34 Dundee University students contracted coronavirus following the meeting on Sunday, the Dundee Evening Telegraph reported.

The university has since given "further strong reminders" to students to stick to social distancing rules.

The “party” is alleged to have taken place in a private home just metres from the main campus.

Read more: Here are the key lockdown dates coming up across the UK

The University of Dundee in Scotland, Britain April 7, 2017. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
At least 34 Dundee University students have contracted coronavirus following a "party" on Sunday. (Reuters)

Principal and vice-chancellor of the university Professor Iain Gillespie said: "We are deeply concerned by this outbreak of cases among some of our students, which has been linked to a gathering in a private residence.

"We are working with NHS colleagues to manage the situation and hopefully prevent further spread of the virus.

Prof Gillespie said they would support any students affected and urged those who may be contacted by test-and-trace to follow advice.

An incident management team (IMT), involving several agencies, is dealing with the outbreak.

The chair of the team Dr Kirsty Licence confirmed several students who had tested positive and their close contacts were self-isolating.

She added: "I would also urge students who test positive to provide information about all their recent contacts when called by Test and Protect. This information will help our contact tracing efforts to track and limit the spread of the virus.

Read more: Driver caught doing 122mph on motorway ‘after getting haircut in Wales’

There was also a “sudden and significant” increase in student COVID-19 cases at St Andrews University in Fife last week.

More than 40 students were forced to self-isolate as a result.

In Scotland, universities and colleges were allowed to invite 5% of students back for critical face-to-face learning from 22 February.

In England, university students returned for practical courses on 8 March.

Watch: How England will leave lockdown