Exeter University covid up

Numbers include Cornwall campus

University of Exeter students have been reminded it is still critical everyone plays their part by sticking to covid guidelines to help reduce transmission.

In the week up to 20 June, 85 students, as well as two members of staff, at the university across its sites in Exeter and Cornwall tested positive for coronavirus, the highest weekly number since October.

The seven day rolling average of new positives now stands at 12.7 – its highest for eight months – but well short of the more than 100 a day testing positive at the height of the outbreak at the University at the end of September.

Pennsylvania and University in Exeter, the area where the university is located, currently has the largest rise in Devon with 45 cases in the most recent week, while in Cornwall, Ponsanooth, Mabe Burnthouse & Constantine, the location of Exeter University's Cornwall campus, recorded 52 positive tests, although the numbers are dropping.

In his latest message to students, Mike Shore-Nye, registrar and secretary, reminded them to reduce unnecessary contact between people and households, and by engaging with testing and vaccination programmes.

His statement added: “Over the last two weeks we have seen an increase in cases amongst students in Exeter and Cornwall. These cases are associated with increased socialising and mixing of households. It is important that we recognise that whilst mixing with others may be allowed under the guidelines, it still carries with it an increased risk of catching covid-19 and spreading it to vulnerable members of the community.

“There are many ways to enjoy the next few weeks, including spending time with friends and loved ones, but where possible we must all do so in ways which reduce the risks of onward transmission."

He continued: “If you are instructed to self-isolate it is critically important that you remain in isolation for the full period. Self-isolation is a legal duty and breaking these rules can result in significant fines.

“If you are a close contact, or member of a household where there has been a positive test, you may be offered a HALO (PCR) test, or asked to continue with your LFD testing during self-isolation. In these circumstances, a negative LFD or HALO test does not permit you to leave your 10 day self-isolation.

“We will support you throughout your period of self-isolation, including by extending accommodation terms free of charge for those self-isolating in University residences, and by offering additional support to those living in private residencies.”

A spokesman for the University of Exeter said term has finished now and there are fewer students around.