Eton coronavirus outbreak: Whole year group told to isolate after pupils test positive
AN ENTIRE year group at Eton College is self-isolating after a number of pupils tested positive for coronavirus.
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Year 12 pupils at the prestigious boys’ boarding school in Windsor are self-isolating following the outbreak. Eton has brought in regular private testing for students and staff since reopening in September.
In a statement, Eton said: “Acting on the advice of senior health professionals, Eton took the decision to introduce a regular Covid-19 testing cycle for pupils and staff, having carefully assessed the risks of transmission within our specific boarding context.
“In deciding to test, Eton has been determined not to put additional pressure on the NHS.
“Therefore, a contract has been taken out with a private provider and the school is covering all costs.
“During a recent round of testing a number of pupils returned positive results.
“The school notified the relevant authorities and, following detailed discussions, all of the Lower Sixth (Year 12) are now isolating and the school has activated our virtual learning programme to teach these pupils remotely.
“We wish those who have tested positive a speedy recovery.”
The outbreak at Eton comes as there has been a surge in coronavirus cases in the UK in recent weeks.
Some 6,968 new infections were reported on Friday, taking the overall total since the start of the pandemic to 467,146.
More than 50 universities across the country have confirmed cases of coronavirus as thousands of students return to campuses.
Over 2,500 cases have been identified among students and staff.
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Northumbria University confirmed on Friday that 770 students have tested positive and are self-isolating.
There have also been more than 200 cases at the University of Sheffield.
And 177 University of Liverpool staff and students have tested positive for the virus.
The University of Manchester has confirmed 221 cases of coronavirus.
There have also been 47 cases among students at Oxford Brookes university.
At Sussex University one member of staff and 10 students are self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus.