A new coronavirus outbreak has been linked to Edinburgh Napier accommodation

In a recent outbreak in Edinburgh Napier University’s Bainfield student flats, 11 students tested positive for COVID-19.

The students are being advised to isolate for two weeks but the university will remain open. The outbreak has been traced to Bainfield student accommodation, which has 117 flats accommodating between four and eight people.

NHS Lothian’s test and protect team is working with Edinburgh Napier to investigate the outbreak. They told the BBC: “Enhanced cleaning and safety measures are already in place in the university in line with national guidance.”

via Google Maps

“If someone has been in close contact with a confirmed case, they will be contacted and given advice about what they should do.”

According to first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s briefing on the 18th September, there have been 203 positive cases in Scotland recorded since yesterday. 30 of these cases were from the Lothians region, which includes the city of Edinburgh.

This outbreak raises concerns for Edinburgh’s general student population, including students at the University of Edinburgh and other local institutions.

Professor Jason Leitch said in Sturgeon’s briefing that “household mixing” is the main risk of spreading of the virus.

The first minister declared that we are at a “critical point” when it comes to handling the virus and that we must all follow the guidelines already in place.

Edinburgh Napier VC Andrea Nolan told BBC Radio Scotland: “We have identified the students who have tested positive. We have identified their close contacts.

“The health protection team isn’t quite finished the tracing but we are almost there and all of their associated close contacts are in self-isolation.”

Cover photo via Google Maps 

Related articles recommended by this writer

• Students will have to sit ALONE when dining in the JMCC during Freshers’

• An Edinburgh Uni student is taking part in the Great British Bake Off this year

• Top Scottish historian condemns decision to rename DHT: ‘He was a man of his time’