Manchester Metropolitan University: Two halls in lockdown as 127 students test positive for coronavirus

Health officials say measures will prevent Covid-19 spreading to wider community

Two halls of residence at Manchester Metropolitan University have gone into lockdown after 127 students tested positive for coronavirus.

The city council said the decision was taken after a spike of cases at accommodation blocks on the Birley campus and at Cambridge Halls.

 All students staying at those locations  will have to self-isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms. Other university accommodation is not affected.

Health officials said the measure was designed to “stop the transmission of the virus among students and prevent it getting into the wider community”.

David Regan, Public Health Director for Manchester, said: “An important part of Manchester’s local response and prevention plan for coronavirus is to keep a close eye on the data and act swiftly and decisively where an outbreak is identified in order to contain the virus. That’s what we’ve done here.” 

Manchester Metropolitan University urged students who are not affected to stay away from friends living in the two halls, which have a combined total of over 1,700 rooms and flats.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and the local community is our top priority," the university said. "We are working with the local health authorities to support students in those halls and to minimise the risk of spread of the virus.”

“This is obviously very difficult for all of the young people involved and we will be working with the university and other public services to make sure that any of the students affected get the support they need," said Bev Craig, an executive member of Manchester City Council.

"Students are a vital part of our city, and as part of our plans we expected that numbers could rise as they returned to the city. As a vital part of our city, they are also under the same restrictions and rules as our longer term residents, and that’s why this evidence-based approach is being taken early to reduce the spread.  

“We understand that local residents may be concerned about this situation. We want to reassure them that the evidence so far suggests that transmission has been within the student community only and has not been more widespread. We are taking this collective action to ensure that remains the case.”

While 127 students have already tested positive, others are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, the council added.

Dr Yasmin Ahmed-Little, consultant in health protection at Public Health England North West, said: “We have seen an increase in positive cases and students with symptoms in the University and all students in these accommodation blocks are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms, to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.

“It is really important for all students follow the advice from the university and the City Council to stay safe. Young people play a crucial role in preventing the spread of coronavirus to protect those at much greater risk. If you are one of the students that has been asked to self-isolate please follow the advice and stay in your accommodation to help us prevent the infection from spreading.”

The city of Manchester and parts of Greater Manchester are already under local restrictions which ban people from mixing with other households in homes and gardens unless they are in a “support bubble”.