Uni reassures over ‘very low percentage’ of cases among staff
ONE of Bristol’s biggest employers recorded 120 cases of coronavirus among staff in the past month.
The University of Bristol said the figure is still a “very low” proportion of its 8,000-strong workforce, and reflects a lower rate than that seen in Bristol city as a whole.
Case numbers are publicly reported on the university’s website, and screen shots of these were shared by a Twitter user at the weekend who felt that the numbers were higher compared to last year.
However, the university has stressed that staff and students are still being encouraged to protect each other.
A spokesperson said: “We continue to monitor the number of positive coronavirus cases within our university community carefully and they are lower than the broader Bristol community.
“In terms of staff numbers, 120 have reported positive tests in the past month. We employ almost 8,000 staff so this remains a very low percentage.”
According to a data table on the university’s website, there are only 10 “active” cases of coronavirus currently reported among its students. This refers to cases where someone has received a positive test result and remains within the 10-day self-isolation period.
Between November 2 and November 8, there were 15 cases reported by students. During that same week, there were 25 cases reported by staff.
Data includes staff and students both on and off campus and does not indicate where the virus might have been contracted.
The university’s spokesperson added: “The wearing of face masks on campus by both staff and students is actively encouraged and expected, as is the importance of getting tested regularly. Increased ventilation, cleaning and sanitising stations are also in place. The vast majority of our professional services staff are continuing to work from home three to four days a week. “We continue to work closely with colleagues from Bristol City Council and the UK Health Security Agency.” The University of the West of England (UWE) also keeps a public record of the most recent coronavirus cases reported among its staff and students. According to UWE’s website, in the first week of November
there were 23 cases among students and 11 among staff.
This is in the context of its community of 30,000 students and 3,800 staff. Like Bristol, UWE is also continuing to encourage protective measures to reduce the spread of the virus on campus.
A tweet shared from UWE’s account on Monday advised: “Please continue to wear a face covering on campus (unless medically exempt).
“Wearing a mask will help protect yourself and others from the spread of coronavirus, and also reduce the likelihood of catching common colds and flu. Help keep our community safe.”
On Monday the Government’s official daily figures recorded 216 new cases of Covid-19 in Bristol, and separate data suggests Knowle Park is the neighbourhood with the city’s highest rate of infection.