University of Sheffield jumps to 116 coronavirus cases, as city placed on ‘red level’

The University of Sheffield has reached 116 positive coronavirus cases amongst staff and students in the last three days.

It marks a big increase from Monday, when 19 students tested positive, and Tuesday when another 32 were confirmed to have the virus. Yesterday, 65 cases were recorded.

It comes following Sheffield City Council’s warning that the city has reached ‘red level’, following the recording of the highest number of cases in one day since the pandemic hit.

The UCU has called for an end to all face-to-face teaching until their five demands are met, over fears for student and staff safety.

Those isolating in university halls will have a daily check-in and a delivery of essential food, toiletries and laundry.

They will also be offered “practical and emotional support” by the university. If you’re a student at the university isolating, fill in this form.

The university wrote on their website: “When we receive notification of a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19, we follow detailed processes and procedures, including tracking and tracing to reduce onward transmission, communications to relevant staff and students, and deep cleaning of affected areas where appropriate.

“Staff and students who are confirmed as having Covid-19 are asked to share details of their close contacts to allow us to inform those that will need to self-isolate in line with government guidelines. In addition to this information, we are using timetabling data and system logs to identify staff and students who may have been in close proximity to a confirmed Covid-19 case and may therefore have to isolate.”

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