Coronavirus outbreak among students after house party

More than 30 university students have contracted coronavirus after a house party in Dundee.

The University of Dundee said it was concerned by the outbreak with a multiagency Incident Management Team (IMT) responding to 36 cases of Covid-19 following a gathering in a private residence.

The NHS public health team told all those affected to provide information for all of their recent contacts to help limit the spread of the virus.

Young people also gathered in large groups in Magdalen Green during the week, with police attending.

A Dundee University student told STV News: “I think this is an important issue to highlight as Dundee, before restrictions, was in Level 3 and I’d hate it to be in Level 4 once restrictions are eased.

“I also believe the university has provided an inadequate response with blanket emails and that they need to take more direct action and implement their Covid policies by directly speaking to the students involved in large gatherings.”

Professor Iain Gillespie, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, said the institution was working with NHS colleagues to manage the situation with the hope of preventing further spread of the virus.

He said: “We are deeply concerned by this outbreak of cases among some of our students, which has been linked to a private residence.

“We will support any students affected and are urging all those who may be contacted by test-and-trace to fully engage with that process.

“We have been constantly reminding all students of the need to follow all of the COVID guidelines, particularly around social gathering and the limits which are in place for us all, and we have issued further strong reminders in light of this outbreak.”

Dr Kirsty Licence, public health consultant and chair of the IMT said: “A number of students who have tested positive for COVID-19, and their close contacts are self-isolating.

“Contact tracing is continuing and it is really important that all students who have been identified as close contacts, and anyone who develops symptoms, self-isolates and books a PCR test as soon as possible.

“I would also urge students who test positive to provide information about all their recent contacts when called by Test and Protect. This information will help our contact tracing efforts to track and limit the spread of the virus.

“We are continuing to work closely with our colleagues to respond to this situation and to ensure there is support in place for students should they need it.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.30m on Wednesday, March 17, police received a report of groups gathering at Magdalen Green in Dundee.

“Officers attended and are aware of concerns and would encourage the public to adhere to current government guidelines. There have been no fixed penalty notices issued.

“Regular patrols will remain in the area.”