Over 40 students at Scotland uni self-isolating after 11 Covid cases in 'sudden and significant' outbreak

MORE than 40 students at a Scottish university have been forced to self-isolate after a "sudden and significant" coronavirus outbreak.

St Andrew uni bosses confirmed that 11 cases had been detected in their halls of residence – forcing dozens of students into quarantine.

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Students have now been urged to follow the strict guidelines in a desperate attempt to stop the spread of the bug.

It's not the first time there has been significant outbreaks of Covid at universities.

770 students at Northumbria University tested positive for coronavirus last year in one of the UK’s largest single-site coronavirus outbreaks.

The University of Newcastlealso recorded 94 students and seven staff had tested positive.

St Andrews principal Sally Mapstone confirmed the outbreak in a message to students and staff – telling students not to travel over Spring break.

A statement said: "I am sorry to report to you that we have this afternoon learned of a sudden and significant increase in Covid infections amongst students currently in St Andrews.

"At this stage, we have 11 confirmed cases affecting students living in four halls of residence, and private accommodation in town, and more than 40 isolating."

The statement further warned that the number of confirmed cases were likely to rise over the next few days – with fears it is the new UK variant of Covid that is more infectious.

Students were warned to wear a mask, not to socialise outside their households and wash their hands regularly.

It added: "Do not leave town. Students in St Andrews have already been asked not to travel over Spring Break. It is now of vital importance that you heed and act on that advice. You may feel perfectly well, but there is now a very significant risk that you could carry Covid to family and friends, or the people with whom you travel.

"If you think you may be infected or are displaying any Covid symptoms you must self-isolate immediately and arrange to take a Covid test. Please do not book a test at the University Testing Centre if you have symptoms. You must take a test at the NHS facility at Victory Memorial Hall. Further information about Covid and how to get tested is here.

"We are in discussions with Public Health Scotland and NHS Fife and we will update about next steps as soon as possible."

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