Students in UCL halls test positive for Covid-19
UCL has reported a ‘very small number’ of coronavirus cases within its managed halls.
Source: UCL Imagestore
Over the weekend, staff at John Adams, St. Pancras Way, Langton Close and Connaught halls of residence have reported cases of Covid-19 among students.
Although University College London (UCL) has not confirmed the figure or the alleged locations of the outbreaks, an official spokesperson said that “a very small number of students have reported that they have tested positive for Covid-19 in unconnected cases in UCL managed halls”.
It is not clear exactly how many of the 15 UCL managed residences have been affected. Only students with confirmed or suspected infections have been contacted by the university and asked to self-isolate “in line with government guidance for the safety of members of both the UCL and wider community.”
Numerous other UK universities have recently seen more substantial outbreaks on campus, and some have extended their quarantine measures to all residents in halls. There are currently 1,700 students self-isolating at Manchester Metropolitan University and hundreds at other institutions in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London. Students in Manchester have reportedly been prevented from leaving their accommodation by security.
UCL currently hopes to avoid such broad restrictions. Instead, the university is encouraging symptomatic students to self-isolate, report their condition via UCL’s Connect to Protect tool and contact the NHS Test and Trace service. Students living in halls are able to get self-test kits delivered directly to their residence using the university’s internal testing facility, whilst those in private accommodation are asked to book a test through the NHS.
Use of the Connect to Protect tool is central to UCL’s response as the number of cases escalates; the data it generates will determine which infection control measures are most appropriate to implement. UCL has assured students that they are “closely working with the London Coronavirus Response Cell”, and are guided by the university’s Public Health Advisory Panel “which is made up of some of the UK’s leading public health experts.”
The UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team is in contact with all self-isolating students to provide advice, wellbeing support, and practical help. For those living in UCL accommodation, this comprises regular check-ins, along with provision of a free hamper of essential food and hygiene items and vouchers for free meal deliveries. There is also support available for those with additional needs, including assistance in accessing medication.
In addition to online learning, self-isolating students still have access to the range of online activities offered by the Students’ Union this term. They are also invited to join Flourish, the university’s virtual community programme, where they can interact with fellow residents, and participate in online activities to support their mental wellbeing.