Confirmed Covid Cases in Student Accommodation Managed by the UCC

Several cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed among students in campus accommodation managed by the UCC, prompting calls for strict controls of apartment blocks.

Residents living around the university, who have been highlighting their public health concerns about Covid-19 house parties in their area since June, urged affected students to stay.

“We are sorry to hear this news and hope they will get better, but we also hope they will stay where they are,” said Magazine Rd resident spokeswoman Catherine Clancy.

This virus is predictable. We know what to do if we don’t want it to spread and we hope these students will follow that advice.

UCC said the HSE has conducted a public health risk assessment and contact tracing to identify and advise close contacts of confirmed cases.

The university also said that all of its student housing centers – at University Hall, Victoria Lodge, Victoria Mills, Castlewhite Apartments, Arás Uí Thuama and Mardyke Hall – remain open, with improved cleaning protocols.

He added: “HSE Public Health has reported that the case rate is comparable to the overall case rate in the community. UCC has a support network for any student who may need help. “

The news came yesterday after the UCC sent an email notification of the recent cases to the more than 1,000 students who are normally residents of their accommodation on campus.

While UCC has decided to teach almost all of its classes online during the first semester, several students have chosen to settle in the apartment blocks.

There was controversy last week over the UCC student union’s decision to go ahead with a virtual Freshers’ Week amid concerns that some of the events could encourage house parties.

The SU insisted that all events were in line with public health guidelines.

Disciplinary measures

The UCC later confirmed that it had temporarily suspended 11 students pending the outcome of a disciplinary process.

Ms. Clancy said the threat of suspension or expulsion appears to have worked, with no complaints from residents about house parties in their area for more than a week.

Meanwhile, Bantry’s GP, Dr. Paul O’Sullivan, said there has been a marked increase in referrals and Covid-19 cases in the region since the reopening of universities in the city.

He attributed the increase to West Cork students, who live in the city to attend college, and return home on the weekend.

“We may be facing a national shutdown to deal with a near-wave of infections spreading through the community like a domino effect,” he said.