Covid in Scotland: Hundreds of Dundee students asked to isolate themselves

Hundreds of students have been told to self-isolate after a suspected Covid-19 outbreak in residences.

NHS Tayside is investigating a single positive case and a small number of suspected cases related to Parker House in Dundee.

Close contacts of the positive case are being contacted, who is a student at the University of Abertay.

The 500 residents of the accommodation have been asked to self-isolate until contact tracing has been completed.

Dr Daniel Chandler, Associate Director for Public Health at NHS Tayside, said: “We know from outbreaks in other university settings in Scotland that the virus can spread very quickly in student accommodation.

“Therefore, as a precautionary measure, we are contacting all Parker House residents and advising them to isolate themselves immediately.”

The university said it would review the tips in the coming days, but urged any student who started showing symptoms to book a test as soon as possible.

Professor Nigel Seaton, Director of Abertay University, said: “Our students at Parker House are receiving support to safely isolate themselves and we will remain in daily contact with them.

“The university has already improved cleanliness and security measures on campus, in accordance with national guidelines, and the campus will remain open.”

The latest case comes after several students at the University of Aberdeen tested positive for Covid-19.

All residents of the Wavell House residences in Hillhead Student Village are asked to self-isolate for 14 days, unless instructed otherwise.

Meanwhile, the University of Glasgow said it was also dealing with several virus cases in student residences.

Affected students isolate themselves and receive support to ensure they have access to food and other supplies, the university said.