A new coronavirus case has been confirmed at student accommodation in Dundee.
Hundreds of students in Dundee continue to self-isolate as health chiefs confirmed a fourth positive Covid-19 case at Parker House, which overlooks the Dudhope Roundabout.
The confirmation came after NHS Tayside’s health protection team said on Wednesday morning it was investigating three positive cases of Covid-19 and a “small number” of suspected cases linked to the flats, which provide private student accommodation to Abertay and Dundee University students.
All 500 residents staying at the halls have been told to quarantine until further contact tracing has been completed. They are all being offered tests for the virus.
The latest positive test result comes as Abertay University chiefs launch a probe into claims fresher students contracted Covid-19 at an illegal flat party.
Dr Daniel Chandler, associate director of public health and chair of the incident management team (IMT), said: “It is particularly important that anyone who is displaying symptoms of Covid-19 gets tested. However, the IMT has decided that all residents of Parker House, including those who are not displaying any symptoms of Covid-19, should now be offered testing.
“We understand that it has been difficult for residents at Parker House to access testing as most do not have a car and cannot use the drive-through testing facility in Dundee and availability of postal test kits is limited.
“Therefore, to make access to testing as easy as possible, the IMT has worked with the UK Government testing site and arrangements have been made for self-testing kits to be delivered to each flat in Parker House today.
“Students will be given instructions on how to complete the test and completed tests will be securely collected later today. Results will be delivered to residents by email or text.
“It is extremely important to note that even if a resident tests negative, they must continue to self-isolate as advised as they are still at risk of developing Covid-19 and a negative result does not rule out the possibility of becoming symptomatic and infectious later.
“The NHS Tayside Health Protection Team and Test & Protect staff will be continually monitoring the testing data and results from Parker House. This will allow us to review whether and how best to offer further opportunities for residents to access testing.
“I want to reassure students and their loved ones that public health investigations and contact tracing are continuing, and we will continue to review the guidance and provide further updates in the coming days.
“I would like to thank residents for their continued support and understanding, and to reaffirm how much of a contribution to the overall effort towards slowing and stopping the spread of COVID-19 they are making by following all the precautions.”
All university and college campuses including all other student accommodation and halls of residence in Dundee remain open.
