St Andrews University Student Tests Positive for Coronavirus

A St Andrews University student has tested positive for coronavirus.

The person recently came back from Switzerland and became ill the day after returning to the UK.

The student self-isolated, before contacting the NHS 111 phone line after symptoms first appeared.

St Andrews University says the student is recovering and being given medical care.

It adds it has been preparing for this eventuality for many weeks.

In a message to students and staff, St Andrews University Principal Professor Sally Mapstone said: "Our primary concern is for our student, who is in self-isolation in St Andrews, receiving appropriate medical care and is recovering.

"Our Student Services team is in contact with them and providing support.

“The student had recently been in Switzerland and took ill the day after they returned to the UK.

"They self-isolated and contacted NHS 111 when symptoms first appeared.

“The student lives alone in private accommodation in St Andrews.

"We have been planning extensively for this eventuality for several weeks and our established protocols and advice have been closely followed.

"We understand this development will cause concern amongst our students, staff and the wider community.

"It is however entirely expected given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic.

“We have been advised by NHS Fife Health Protection Team that classes at the University should continue to take place today, which is the last day of teaching before the start of Spring Break.”

Meanwhile, students at the university have been told to prepare for all teaching and assessment to take place online, with technology being put in place to offer teaching and exams remotely.