Nearly 2,000 students at universities in the North East test positive for coronavirus

Nearly 2,000 students at universities in the North East of England tested positive for coronavirus in the past week, figures released on Thursday have revealed.

A total of 958 cases at Durham University, 749 cases at Newcastle University and 131 cases at Northumbria University were recorded over a seven-day period as the outbreak continued steadily in one of the worst-hit parts of the country.

The 350% rise in weekly infections at Durham occurred despite two of its 17 colleges effectively going into lockdown last Friday following spikes in cases.

A spokesman for one of the UK’s oldest universities said that it was “proactively and regularly monitoring and managing the situation” and “taking appropriate action where required.” He added that “teaching and wider student experience activity continue both online and face-to-face, in Covid-secure setting.”

Newcastle and Northumbria universities reported a fall in infections as they entered their second of at least three weeks of online-only teaching.

Newcastle University, the largest in the region, said that the “overwhelming majority” of cases had arisen from social and residential settings and that it was “confident” the appropriate measures were in place to protect the campus.

Northumbria University said it was “continuing to make extensive efforts” to provide support for students who were self-isolating with online concierge services or food parcels delivered by staff and its students’ union.

Larissa Kennedy, President of the National Union of Students, said it was “unsurprising to see the figures soar” and blamed the Government for its “poor management” of the situation.

“Students have been mis-sold their experience this term by universities forced to prioritise their income over the health of their staff and students, as well as a government that has failed to offer them the support and assurances required to act otherwise,” Kennedy said.

“Instead of using the summer to prepare for the inevitable challenges and mitigate risks for university populations and the local communities they are part of, the Government waited until the last possible moment to issue guidance to institutions and we are yet to see an effective testing regime on many of our campuses.

“The detriment this will have on students and local communities is unforgiveable. The impact on students’ health and wellbeing has been clearly disregarded – and yet students are being blamed for simply adhering to guidelines and following rules set out by the government.”

The NUS has called for students to have the right to leave their university accommodation and access education entirely online, as well as rent reimbursements and the option to defer or drop out of courses without losing out financially.