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More than 1,000 Newcastle University students have tested positive for coronavirus in the past week.
Twelve members among its 6,500 employees have also had a positive COVID-19 Outcome.
A spokeswoman said that “the overwhelming majority of the cases” were from “social and residential settings.”
It is in addition to 770 positive tests among students at neighboring Northumbria University announced on Friday.
Both universities have said they will switch to teaching online for at least three weeks, unless in-person lessons are essential.
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The spokesperson added: “We expected to see an increase in cases in light of the increase in cases both locally and nationally and all HE institutions have to manage this continuously.
“We are confident that we have the proper measures in place to protect us all while on campus and reduce the potential for transmission in our community.”
One speaker, who asked not to be named, said: “I am very sorry for the students.
“Basically, they have had no choice but to come to the university and sit in their rented accommodation, often rented at the university, and cook.
A Northumbria University professor said the amount of positive tests was “terrifying.” Photo: Google
“I suspect that not all, but many, get nothing, and probably less, from their college experience than they would in the relative safety of their homes.”
The speaker said it was “absolutely crazy” to bring the students back and that “a lot of the staff are angry about it.”
Meanwhile, the University of Leeds said 555 students and three staff members tested positive between September 28 and October 4.
Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice Chancellor, said: “We are very aware that behind every number there is an individual with their own needs and concerns, and ensuring the safety, health and well-being of all is our absolute priority.
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More than a thousand students and staff of the University of Nottingham and University of Sheffield they have been forced to self-isolate after testing positive for coronavirus.
Manchester’s two major universities, the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, have also suspended all classroom teaching for the remainder of October.
Some courses that are based on practical training will be exempt.
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In a joint statement, the universities told the Manchester Evening News that they met with public health authorities and Manchester City Council following a “significant increase in the number of COVID cases in the city of Manchester.”
The University of Nottingham is running its own testing program on its campuses and attributes its large number of cases to that scheme.
He said 106 students in college hallways had tested positive, with 93 in other purpose-built housing. Some 226 students living in private accommodation have contracted the virus, while eight staff members are also included in the data.
Durham University has asked students living at two colleges to remain on campus for the next week following a sharp spike in cases at two of its colleges, with around 100 students out of 800 testing positive.
