Hampshire university student who returned from China and felt 'unwell' tests negative for coronavirus

A STUDENT who felt ‘unwell’ on their return from China has tested negative for the coronavirus, the university has said.
Unversity of Southampton student residence, Mayflower Halls. Picture. Google Unversity of Southampton student residence, Mayflower Halls. Picture. Google
Unversity of Southampton student residence, Mayflower Halls. Picture. Google

The University of Southampton student was tested in Southampton General Hospital on Monday after travelling straight from the airport and did not visit the Mayflower Halls campus where they live.

They and their flat mates were self isolated and their apartment deep cleaned.

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The University confirmed today that tests for the coronavirus came back as negative.

Students were emailed about the situation.

A University of Southampton spokesman said yesterday: ‘One of our residents at Mayflower Halls returned from China and transferred directly from the airport to their flat without visiting campus.

‘Having then felt unwell, they did exactly the right thing, self-isolated and referred themselves to the NHS. As a precautionary measure an ambulance was called to take them to Southampton General Hospital for tests.

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We have spoken to the student’s flatmates and, also following the guidance from PHE, they have agreed to self-isolate until we receive further clarification from local health services. In addition, we have deep cleaned communal areas within the flat as well as associated lifts to help reinforce the best practice that is already being followed.

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‘Our students’ welfare is our primary concern and our Residences and Student Life teams are providing a 24 hour service to support any student concerns in the halls.’

Chinese authorities said yesterday that the death toll in mainland China from the coronavirus outbreak has risen to 425, with the number of cases now standing at 20,438.

The government is urging Britons to return home.

The former Purbrook Park pupil told The News: ‘The atmosphere round where I live is one of worry I feel, the streets, malls and roads are empty and barely anyone ventures out, usually there are many people out on e-bikes or walking.

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‘The city isn't in lockdown but the majority of companies and shops are closed and we have been advised not to leave our houses or travel. I got messages from the HQ of my company that they were extending leave and considering online lessons to not expose our students. Masks became mandatory on the train and even in my residential province posters and warnings have been put up.’

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