Coronavirus cases at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam pass 1,700

The University of Sheffield alone has over 1,000


Coronavirus cases at both Sheffield universities have passed 1,700, according to the latest figures.

On Tuesday 13 October, the University of Sheffield had 47 new student cases. This brings their total to 1,019 cases since the beginning of term.

Sheffield Hallam’s latest figures, published on Sunday 11 October, reported 20 new cases on their website to bring the university total to 764.

It comes after the government introduced tier-two lockdown restrictions to Sheffield, meaning indoor mixing of households is banned.

From Friday 9 October, the University of Sheffield moved all their teaching online. This is to continue for a fortnight until Monday 19 October.

After this date, a blended approach of online and face-to-face teaching will continue.

Sheffield Hallam’s cases are lower than UoS’ and the university has continued face-to-face teaching where needed.

However, the majority of Sheffield Hallam teaching is based online.

Megan, a third-year Geography student, spoke to The Sheffield Tab about how online teaching is affecting her degree.

“I feel really dissociated. I’m only at university for one hour a week. It’s doesn’t feel like I’m actually in my final year right now.”

When asked about the possibility of moving all teaching online, Tilly, a 3rd-year journalism student, said: “I understand that it’s not the university’s fault, but this would negatively impact me. The point of my course is to build a portfolio of work to show potential employees. Without being able to go into university or having access to equipment and the TV studios this just isn’t possible.”

Ailis, a second-year law student, said: “Moving all teaching online would not be good. I find it hard to properly concentrate in Zoom calls; it’s passive learning and no one contributes to the seminar discussions.”

For more student reactions to online learning, see here.

The latest updates on coronavirus cases at The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, can be found on their websites.

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