Further case of Covid-19 confirmed with link to University of St Andrews

The newly confirmed case comes five days after NHS Fife first confirmed two people connected to the university had tested positive.

However health chiefs say there is currently no evidence of any link between this latest individual and the two previously confirmed cases, and the likely source of infection in all three cases is believed to have been the result of close contact with confirmed cases outwith the Fife health board area.

The new positive case is currently self-isolating and experiencing mild symptoms.

Contact tracers from the Test and Protect Team are in the process of identifying and tracing the known contacts of the positive cases to provide public health support and advice.

NHS Fife said there continues to be no evidence of wider transmission and the risk of contracting the virus remains 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 testing using the UK Government Citizens’ Portal or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Speaking last week after the initial cases were confirmed, Dona Milne, NHS Fife Director of Public Health, said: “We appreciate that students, and indeed residents of the town, may well be concerned, however, there is no indication of any link between the cases and the risk of contracting coronavirus remains low.”

Professor Sally Mapstone, University of St Andrews Principal, added at the time: “We are working closely with NHS Fife and Public Health Scotland, and our University Covid Rapid Response Team is ensuring that the NHS Test and Protect team has speedy access to any information it requires for contact tracing.

“What it demonstrates is that our systems are working and that our community is aware of the importance of alerting the University and the NHS if they display symptoms. We have reinforced the importance of following clear public health guidelines at all times, and that we all have a responsibility to each other to remain vigilant.”