Confirmed: Exeter students test positive for coronavirus

A numer of Exeter students have tested postive for Covid 19.

There have been 15 confirmed cased of coronavirus in Exeter since September 21st, Devon Live reports.

It has been suggested that the rise in cases is linked to students returning to Exeter, although ITV reported that it probably wasn’t caused by the Uni’s film night held on Saturday.

According to Devon Live, most of the students who tested positive for coronavirus had no symptoms before reaching Exeter and were found by the rapid saliva testing provided by the Uni.

A spokesperson for the University of Exeter said: “We have had a small number of positive Covid-19 cases over the past few days.

“The health and welfare of all students and staff is our overriding priority, and our Rapid Response Hub is co-ordinating testing and working with Public Health England and the national track and trace programme to share details of any positive cases, as well as target those who need to self-isolate or be tested and trace their close contacts.

“We are working with local health teams on any actions required and continue to communicate directly with students on the necessity to follow Covid-19 rules fully.”

A spokesman for Public Health Devon told Devon Live: “We are aware of the rise in the number of cases in Exeter. All positive cases and their households are self-isolating and following public health advice.

“There is no evidence of wider community transmission at this stage and we are monitoring the data very closely so that we can respond immediately to changes in the data.

“We are working very closely with the University, which has extremely comprehensive measures in place to reduce the risk to students, staff and members of the community.

“It is imperative that everyone of all ages should follow the latest public health advice around social distancing, wearing of face masks, and regular proper washing of hands with soap and water.

“If you develop any of the three symptoms – the high temperature, new and continuous cough, and a change to your sense of taste or smell – you must self-isolate immediately and for 10 days, and arrange a test.

“Everyone in a household in which there is a positive case must also self-isolate (stay at home) for 14 days, but only those who have symptoms must be tested.”

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