Which UK universities have had Covid-19 outbreaks?

MORE than 500 cases of coronavirus across at least 30 universities have been confirmed, as students move across the UK for the new academic year.

Here are all the universities in England, Scotland and Wales with confirmed coronavirus outbreaks.

Glasgow University

Glasgow University currently has 172 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

The university has agreed to give all 2,800 students in its halls of residence a month’s free rent and £50.

The Scottish Government and Universities Scotland has asked freshers not to socialise in pubs, restaurants and other venues.

Glasgow Caledonian University

Two coronavirus cases have been confirmed among students at Glasgow Caledonian University's student halls.

A total of 18 students are currently self-isolating.

Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Met confirmed 127 infections on Friday, forcing 1,700 students to self-isolate.

Students living in accommodation at the main Birley campus and All Saint’s Park were locked down “with immediate effect.”

University of the West of England

A student at the University of the West of England tested positive for coronavirus in early September.

The student, based at the Frenchay Campus, was not symptomatic.

Professor Steve West, Vice-Chancellor at UWE Bristol, said: “Our top priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our entire university community and we are providing our full support to the student affected."

Warwick University

Warwick University have also confirmed that they've had a coronavirus outbreak, a week before teaching is set to begin.

A student living in Rootes campus accommodation tested positive, with the rest of the flat self-isolating.

Essex University

The University of Essex has identified a "cluster" of coronavirus cases linked to elite and juniour sports programmes.

A small number of students and staff have tested positive and are self-isolating.

University of Essex registrar Bryn Morris said: "A small number of positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed amongst staff and students which are linked to the university's elite sports programme and associated junior programme."

"These individuals do not live on the Colchester Campus and are now self-isolating and the university is offering them advice and support. The majority are showing no symptoms and are feeling well."

Aberdeen University

Aberdeen University’s principal and vice-chancellor, Professor George Boyne, confirmed in an internal email that a number of students at the university had tested positive for Covid-19.

Some of the infected are staying in Wavell House at Hillhead Student Village.

Liverpool University

As of last week, the University of Liverpool has identified 87 cases of coronavirus.

At least 80 students and seven members of staff have tested positive for the virus so far.

However this number has risen to 108, according to the UCU.

The University and College Union said it meant lessons were "likely to lead" to a further spread of the virus.

However, the Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Louise Kenny said the university was safe and face-to-face teaching was "essential".

Exeter University

Exeter University students have made up half of Devon's coronavirus cases, it has been confirmed.

This means there is an outbreak of at least 29 coronavirus cases at Exeter University.

There are also less than five cases of the virus at the University's campus in Cornwall.

Mike Shore-Nye, registrar for the university, said: "Today, we know from Public Health England that of the 58 cases reported in Devon over the past 7 days a little over half are attributable to the University.

"In Cornwall, there are less than 5 cases at the University.

"The Public Health teams have made a careful analysis of all of the cases so far and their assessment is that a number of students have arrived from their home towns and cities, carrying the infection with them, and this has been passed on to their close contacts and housemates."

The registrar added that the vast majority of Exeter's 25,000 students have "behaved impeccably" in the circumstances.

St Andrews University

There have been 21 cases of coronavirus confirmed at St Andrews University.

An NHS Fife spokesperson said: "NHS Fife is providing an update following an additional nine cases of COVID-19 associated with the University of St Andrews.

"It brings the total number of confirmed cases to 21 since the 1st of September."

Edinburgh University

Over 1,900 students are self-isolating in Edinburgh University halls following an outbreak of "a small number" of Covid-19 cases.

Pollock halls were the scene of "numerous" parties over the weekend, and police were called to break up the gatherings and enforce coronavirus rules.

A spokesperson for Edinburgh University confirmed the outbreak: "There are currently a small number of positive cases among our student population, all of whom are self-isolating.

"We are working with NHS Lothian’s Health Protection team to ensure that these students, and those around them, are provided with the information and support they need. 

"In agreement with NHS Lothian’s Health Protection Team and partners we are not asking for whole Halls of student accommodation to self-isolate."

Edinburgh Napier University

A total of 120 cases of coronavirus have been identified in an outbreak at Edinburgh Napier University.

The health board said it was urging all students to follow all national guidance to prevent the spread of the virus.

Abertay University

There have been 46 positive cases of the virus in accommodation housing Abertay students.

Contract tracing remains ongoing and all residents of Parker House have been told to self-isolate until further contract tracing has been completed.

Dundee University

Two student halls have now seen coronavirus outbreaks at Dundee University.

Abertay’s Meadowside Halls has one active case of coronavirus, according to the Incident Management Team.

Testing kits are being delivered to all the hall’s residents.

Parker House has seen an outbreak of the virus, with 45 positive cases reported last week.

Queen Margaret University

A number of students at Queen Margaret University in Scotland are isolating after a positive test for coronavirus was confirmed.

Stirling University

Stirling University confirmed three students have now tested positive for Covid-19, as fears are raised over the growing number of students being forced to self-isolate on campus returning to studies earlier this month.

Leeds University

Leeds University has confirmed that there are six positive cases of coronavirus among students that they are aware of.

However, it is thought that more students may also be suffering with coronavirus, but haven’t yet informed the uni of their status.

A spokesperson said: “Since the start of September the University has been made aware of six positive tests for covid-19 among our students and staff – these cases are not connected to each other.

“We are not currently aware of others, although it is possible students living in private residences have not yet informed us of their status.”

Kent University

Two students at the University of Kent have tested positive for coronavirus, just three days after the start of the new term.

In a letter to staff, the university's HR director said: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there have been two confirmed cases of Covid-19 among students on the Canterbury campus.

"Both are being supported in self-isolating and their close contacts have all been contacted."

Leicester University

Leicester University has reported two cases of coronavirus among its student body.

A Leicester University spokeswoman said: "We are aware of two confirmed cases of Covid-19 at the University of Leicester, but no further cases have been reported.

“We are offering support to the individuals affected and have robust processes in place to manage any future cases that may arise.

“As part of our ongoing work to keep our staff, students and the Leicester community safe, we will be launching a Covid-19 screening programme from next week.

"We expect to screen around 10,000 staff and students.”

De Montford University

It's been confirmed that two academics at DMU have contracted the virus, though it has not been revealed which department they teach in.

A DMU spokeswoman said: “We are working with the programme area to ensure that appropriate actions are being taken to protect staff and students."

Newcastle University and Northumbria University

Newcastle and Northumbria Universities have confirmed 62 cases of coronavirus among their student bodies.

The figure came just days after 50,000 students flocked to the city to begin the new academic year.

In a joint statement from both universities, both said those infected, and their close contacts, were now self-isolating.

It read: "As of Friday 25 September, we can confirm that we aware of 62 Newcastle University and Northumbria University students who have tested positive for Covid-19.

"These students are now self-isolating. Their flatmates and any close contacts are also self-isolating for 14 days in line with government guidance, and have been advised to contact NHS 119 to book a test as soon as possible should symptoms appear."

Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University, Wales, has confirmed two positive cases of coronavirus among individuals "connected" to the university.

Aberystwyth University said: “We are working with Ceredigion County Council who are undertaking contact tracing, following two confirmed cases of Covid-19. 

“Both individuals have connections to the university.

“We are working to support the individuals who have received positive test results, and any other relevant connected individuals who are now required to self-isolate."

Swansea University

Twelve students at Swansea University have tested positive for coronavirus.

In a statement, the university said it understood there would be "anxiety about this development" but insisted safety was the "top priority".

Bath University

The University of Bath confirmed a small number of coronavirus cases last week.

In a statement, the university did not disclose how many people are affected, but said there were a "very small number" of cases within the "university community" who are self-isolating with other members of their households.

Durham University

According to an internal email from Durham University, there is "a small number of individual Covid-19 cases within our student community.";

However, this has not been confirmed by the university.

Hull University

The University of Hull has confirmed one student has tested positive for coronavirus.

The case has been confirmed by the university as freshers continue to meet up at the start of the new term.

Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes University is dealing with a coronavirus outbreak of 30, as students continue to party during move-in week.

Marston councillor Mick Haines had an email from Oxford Brookes University which says: "As of 9am on September 23 there have been a total of 30 covid-19 cases at Oxford Brookes over the last seven days.

"The majority of these cases have been traced back to social gatherings. 

"We have been working closely with NHS test and trace to isolate those affected and we have taken action to reduce the risk of such events reoccurring.

"The students are self-isolating." 

Portsmouth University

The University of Portsmouth confirmed that 13 students have tested positive for coronavirus.

Of these, 12 were from the University's own testing programme and one student tested positive through government testing.