University of Sunderland confirms 44 cases of Covid-19 as both students and staff test positive for the virus

The university said that it is working with health officials and Sunderland City Council following the outbreak of coronavirus cases on Monday, September 28, which have seen 44 of its students and staff members testing positive for Covid-19. All of those affected are receiving support from the university and cases are being managed according to Public Health England requirements, the university has confirmed.

A University of Sunderland spokesman said: "As of Monday, September 28, a number of people in the University of Sunderland community have tested positive for Covid-19, this includes 40 students and four staff.

"All of those affected are receiving university support and cases are being managed according to public health requirements.

"Across the university, we have detailed plans in place to manage such situations and we are following these closely.

“These plans include working with Public Health England to gather information, as well as to support and advise students who have tested positive or are self-isolating with symptoms.”

The university stressed that it remains confident in its procedures to protect the health and wellbeing of its students and staff.

A University of Sunderland spokesman continued: "University staff are in contact with the city council and health officials and continue to follow agreed procedures and guidance.

"We remain confident in our measures to protect the health and wellbeing of our students and staff.

"These include physical changes to our campus facilities, protocols around social distancing and hand-washing, an enhanced cleaning regime, and changes to our teaching model."

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here.

Thank you.