Exeter students test positive for COVID-19
15 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Exeter and have been attributed to students at the University.
The spike is believed to have stemmed from students contracting coronavirus before arriving in Exeter. The cases were confirmed on Tuesday, 22 September, with 11 specimen dated for 20 September. It is understood that the majority of positive cases were asymptomatic.
A spokesperson for Public Health Devon said that all positive cases and their households are following public health advice and self-isolating, and revealed that there is no evidence of wider community transmission at this stage.
The students were tested using the University’s saliva-based PCR tests, developed by Halo, that provide rapid results either the same day or the following day.
The spike is believed to have stemmed from students contracting coronavirus before arriving in Exeter. It is understood that the majority of positive cases were asymptomatic.
The University said: “We have had a small number of positive Covid-19 cases over the past few days.
“The health and welfare of all students and staff is our overriding priority, and our Rapid Response Hub is co-ordinating testing and working with Public Health England and the national track and trace programme to share details of any positive cases, as well as target those who need to self-isolate or be tested and trace their close contacts.
“We are working with local health teams on any actions required and continue to communicate directly with students on the necessity to follow Covid-19 rules fully.”
Public Health Devon added: “We are working very closely with the University, which has extremely comprehensive measures in place to reduce the risk to students, staff and members of the community.
“It is imperative that everyone of all ages should follow the latest public health advice around social distancing, wearing of face masks, and regular proper washing of hands with soap and water. If you develop any of the three symptoms – the high temperature, new and continuous cough, and a change to your sense of taste or smell – you must self-isolate immediately and for 10 days, and arrange a test.”
