964 new cases of Covid-19 reported at Durham University in past seven days

A further 958 students and six members of staff at Durham University have reported positive cases of coronavirus in the past seven days. This brings the total number of cases since the start of this term to 1209 students and 11 members of staff.

These most recent statistics were released by the university earlier today, and are correct as of yesterday, Wednesday 14th. The number of new cases is a sharp increase on last week’s update, where 219 new student cases and three new staff cases had been reported.

On the rise in cases, Durham University stated on their website: “Over the last 7 days, the number of reported positive coronavirus cases in students and staff has been steady, with approximately 100-150 new reported cases each day.

“We are proactively and regularly monitoring and managing the situation with local and national public health experts and taking appropriate action where required.”

The new statistics come after livers in at both Collingwood and St Mary’s colleges were asked to remain on campus for a seven day period starting last week, following reports that one in six living at St Mary’s and one in ten living in Collingwood had tested positive.

Durham University also said: “We have proactively managed the two significant outbreaks we have faced, in two of our colleges – St Mary’s College and Collingwood College – by introducing new measures for our students living in those colleges.

“Working with Durham County Council’s Public Health Team, these measures were put in place on Thursday (8 October) to limit movement of students within these colleges to further restrict the spread of coronavirus. The new measures are in addition to the current Government restrictions.”

More information on cases at Durham University, as well as additional guidance, can be found here.