12 Covid-19 cases at St Andrews University

Twelve coronavirus cases with links to St Andrews University have now been identified.

According to NHS Fife the cases involve both students and university staff who have been confirmed as positive for coronavirus between the dates of September 1 to September 24.

The figure also includes some cases which have resulted from prolonged close contact with positive cases outwith the Fife Health Board area.

It is believed that 10 students and two members of staff are affected, and, of the five new cases, two are sporadic and three are thought to be through community transmission.

A spokesperson for NHS Fife said: “NHS Fife’s Health Protection Team is working closely with colleagues at the University of St Andrews to prevent further infection and mitigate the effect of any positive cases which do occur.

“Contact tracers from the Test and Protect Team continue to identify and trace the known contacts of the any positive cases so they can be instructed to self-isolate to prevent onward spread of the virus.

“There is no evidence at this stage to suggest any wider transmission of the virus within the university or indeed the wider community, and the risk of contracting the virus continues to be low.

“Anyone experiencing the well-established symptoms of Covid-19, such as a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, is urged to arrange to be testing using the UK Government Citizens’ Portal or by calling 0800 028 2816.”

The news comes as the First Minister urged students to avoid pubs, restaurants and house parties this weekend to try and stop the virus from spreading.

Hundreds of university students have tested positive at campuses across the country, with many more self-isolating. Universities have now pledged to make it clear to students that there must be no parties.

And they will not be allowed to mix with anyone outside of their accommodation. Students have also been told that any breaches of the new restrictions will not be tolerated.

A local online support hub has been created to provide information on testing for Covid-19 and updates on the pandemic are at https://coronavirus.nhsfife.org.