MORE than 750 students at Northumbria University are self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.

A spokesperson for the university, based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, said that as of Friday it was aware of 770 students testing positive – 78 of whom are symptomatic.

All these students, as well as their flatmates and any close contacts, are self-isolating for 14 days in line with Government guidance, the spokesperson said.

The university is among more than 50 institutions to have confirmed coronavirus cases in recent weeks, as thousands of students return to campuses.

By comparison, Glasgow University has seen some 124 confirmed cases and there have been 221 recorded at the University of Manchester.

Self-isolating students are being provided with food, laundry, cleaning materials and welfare support by the university, working alongside the students’ union and Newcastle City Council.

Meanwhile, students will also receive additional academic support if they miss out on face-to-face tuition during their isolation period.

The university spokesperson added: “The increase in numbers comes in the week after students returned to university and reflects the good access to and availability of testing, as well as rigorous and robust reporting systems.

“In parts of the UK where universities started term earlier, numbers of student cases surged in induction week, and then reduced.

“We are making it clear to students that if they break the rules they will be subject to fines from police and disciplinary action by the universities which may include fines, final warnings or expulsion.”

They added: “Both Northumbria and Newcastle universities have Covid response teams on call that are working closely with NHS Test and Trace, Public Health England North East and the City to identify and get in touch with anyone who has been in close contact with those affected.”

Students also being encouraged to download the NHS Covid-19 app.

Councillor Irim Ali, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and public health, praised the “incredible lengths” Newcastle and Northumbria universities had gone “to create Covid-secure environments”.

She added: “Sadly, a small number of students are undermining these efforts and, at a time when Covid infection rates are rising across the region, it is welcome that the universities are recognising this and warning those who break the rules about their conduct.

“We are working alongside both universities to support those students who are self-isolating, and have mobilised volunteers to deliver food packages and other essential items to those confined to their accommodation.

“But while work continues to control ongoing outbreaks, we need all students to comply with the regulations and guidance.”

She added: “While in Newcastle, it is essential that all students act with the same responsibility as other residents and do their bit to protect our city from the virus.”

A spokesperson for the Northumbria Students’ Union said it had been working with the university and council to “create an environment where students can not only safely access the education they came here for but enjoy life on campus too”.

“We’ve adapted the use of our buildings and the services we provide to ensure that students enjoy a great start to their university experience, whilst taking every precaution to limit the spread of the virus,” they added.

A surge in coronavirus cases in recent weeks has led to thousands of students having to self-isolate in their halls at some universities – including Glasgow University.

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Around 56 universities across the UK have had at least one confirmed case of Covid-19, an analysis of university responses and media reports suggests.

Approximately 2500 positive cases of Covid-19 have been identified at these universities, the analysis suggests.

A Universities UK (UUK) spokeswoman said: “It is important to keep these figures in context: there are 2.8 million staff and students at UK universities.

“Multiple measures are in place to promote safety, health and wellbeing on campuses to reduce risks and minimise disruption.

“Where it is necessary for students to self-isolate, universities are taking care of both their physical and emotional wellbeing including access to testing and health care, mental health support, continuing learning online, safe social interaction, food deliveries, laundry, and financial support.

“Universities are currently working in partnership with their local authorities, public health bodies and others to ensure that effective and outbreak response plans are in place and clearly understood.”

A Government spokesperson said: “We recognise this has been a really challenging time for students, particularly for those having to self-isolate at the start of their university journey. We have asked universities to make sure those that are isolating have all the support they need.

“Universities are well prepared for a local outbreak, and we have worked with them to help draw up plans for measures in the event of positive cases on campus, or a rise in cases locally.”