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The ‘soft lockdown’ of the University of Exeter students, where they were asked not to meet other households in the interior, will be extended for another week.
Initially, on September 28, students had been told not to socialize with other households for a period of two weeks as a result of a growing number of students testing positive for COVID-19.
With over 80% of the 532 cases recorded in Exeter in the previous seven days attributable to the University, students will be required to abide by the restrictions for one more week.
In a statement, Mike Shore-Nye, Registrar and Secretary, said: “We review our data, current measurements and future plans with Public Health England (PHE) on a daily basis.
“PHE has informed us that if we are able to maintain our current levels of surveillance, then we can begin to see the rate of cases gradually decrease.
“We have also been informed that relaxing our current measures too soon could have the opposite effect, encouraging further transmission once again, before the number of cases is reduced.
“These cases occur almost all in homes and student residences. There is no evidence of transmission to the general community, nor of transmission within our safe COVID teaching spaces.
“We have not seen an increase in the small number of cases from the staff.
“For this reason, and following PHE guidance, I ask Exeter-based students to continue without meeting indoors with students who are not part of their home for one more week, until October 19.
“The exceptions are for educational sessions on campus, work or volunteering, organized sports, and in an emergency when someone is vulnerable or in danger.
“I know this will be a disappointment, but PHE tells us that this specific measure is having a significant impact on the transmission of the disease, both among students and from students to the wider community.
“Continuing to push against the transmission of COVID-19 is the only way we can keep our community safe and avoid further restrictions. We will review this measure next week.”
He added that the University and PHE have been very impressed by the way in which students have complied with the COVID-19 guidelines, and that adherence to the guidelines will be an important factor in any decision on whether we may face further local restrictions on the near future.
“For all these reasons, we need to maintain our current position,” he added.
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Shore-Nye said that the delays in returning the Mobile Testing Unit results to students who had begun self-isolating have now been resolved and that in recent days, they have seen the balance in positive cases in the change of Exeter from the student houses in the city to the residences.
He said: “We have introduced a number of new measures in university residences, including reinforcing the need to wear face covers in hallways and common areas, issuing additional hand sanitizer bottles and wipes, and making changes in cleaning schedules to target high touch point areas more frequently.
“We also know that only by consistently and rigorously following these measures will we be able to control the spread of the virus, allowing us to provide more face-to-face teaching and reintroduce many of the opportunities, activities, and events that we know our students want and need.
“PHE has firmly assured us that the steps we are taking are the right ones and that following them closely gives us the best chance of returning to something close to normal soon.
“These days are particularly difficult for those of you who isolate yourself, and we have introduced a number of measures to try to help you during this time.
“We have expanded our testing capacity so that you can get a test on time if you need it.
“We have introduced grocery delivery services and a ‘digital basket’ scheme to give you access to entertainment platforms.
“For those of you who are emerging from periods of self-isolation, I would like to thank you for your determination and for helping to keep those around you safe.
“I must also remind you that we must all continue to comply with the restrictions and guidelines currently in effect.
“Continue to follow social distancing rules, wear your face covered indoors and in crowded places, and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
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“We all need to be aware and considerate, on and off campus, to ensure that we maintain social distancing and good hygiene practices with members of the community.
“The Devon & Cornwall Police have informed us that they will increase their patrols in Exeter with the aim of supporting the Rule of Six among the community.
“You may have a household of more than six people, but be aware and try to avoid causing concern by keeping group sizes low when you are away.
“I hope that through our collective efforts we can get through this difficult period together. Public Health England, Exeter City Council, Devon City Council and Cornwall City Council are very supportive of the work we are all doing together to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to protect those of us who live, work and study. “
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