Covid in Scotland: Dozens of cases among Robert Gordon University students

RGURGU

Transmission is not believed to have happened on campus

More than 60 cases of coronavirus have been linked to students from Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen, it has been revealed.

The local incident management team (IMT) said there had been a total of 63 cases of Covid-19 identified within RGU students since mid-September.

It is the first time the RGU cases have been revealed.

The IMT, which includes NHS Grampian, does not believe transmission happened at RGU's campus.

In a statement it said: "An ongoing multi-agency investigation has confirmed that there has been a total of 63 cases of Covid-19 identified within Robert Gordon University's student population.

"This figure includes those living in various locations - including university halls of residents, private flats and private halls elsewhere."

Part of a Disclosure investigation earlier this week revealed halls at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen were operating at a reduced 83% capacity.

A spokeswoman for RGU said the university was, in line with public health guidance, taking every step possible to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, students and the wider community.

She said: "Due to the rigorous health and safety measures we have in place on campus, there is no evidence of infection being acquired during face-to-face teaching on campus but we have seen positive cases among students in our own student accommodation, in other private sector residences and private accommodation dotted across the city.

"The safety and wellbeing of our students is of the utmost importance to us and we are fully supporting all of our students from both pastoral and academic perspectives. We are liaising closely with NHS Grampian's Health Protection Team to conduct tracing and follow government guidance."

She said a dedicated team was supporting students including with provision of food and other essential supplies.

Students also have access to online support and wellbeing services as well as digital learning throughout their period of self-isolation.

The university said the students had been urged to follow government restrictions and had been reminded of the consequences of not following them.

Dozens of cases of coronavirus were previously associated with the student population at the University of Aberdeen.

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