University of Portsmouth confirms how many students have tested positive with Covid-19

The University of Portsmouth confirmed today that 13 students have had Covid-19 positive tests, 12 from its own testing programme and one student who tested positive through government testing.

Last week the university launched its own Covid testing centre, becoming one of the country’s first to do so.

The mobile facility, run in conjunction with medical technology company NTL Biologica, is targeting a rolling programme with 10 per cent of the university’s population tested every fortnight.

It will test asymptomatic students and staff to identify those who have the virus and notify the regional NHS Test and Trace team.

A University of Portsmouth spokesman said: ‘We have had 13 positive cases, all students, from our asymptomatic testing programme and one further student has tested positive through government testing.

‘The students are self-isolating in line with Government guidance and NHS Test and Trace have been organising contact-tracing.

‘We will be providing self-isolation and wellbeing support for those students, and any other students or staff affected.’

Three more schools in Portsmouth have also confirmed cases of Covid-19 this week.

SEE ALSO: NHS Test and Trace misses target and reaches just 67 per cent of Covid patient contacts in Portsmouth

Alison Jeffery, director of children, families and education at Portsmouth City Council said: ‘There was one new confirmed coronavirus case at a Portsmouth school on Wednesday September 23, at St Edmund's School. This brings the total number of cases in Portsmouth maintained schools and academies to two.

‘The first confirmed case was in the primary department at Mayfield on Tuesday September 22.

‘We are also aware of one confirmed case at a Portsmouth independent school.

‘Affected pupils and staff are following the national guidance. Other pupils and staff should continue to go into school if they remain well.

‘Schools continue to take every precaution, in line with all national guidelines, to keep pupils and staff members safe. Our public health and education teams at the council are working closely with the school.’

Keep up to date with the latest coronavirus news in Portsmouth with our Coronavirus Updates Facebook group.

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