Coronavirus case in Leicestershire confirmed

A Loughborough University student has contracted COVID 19.

Loughborough University said the student is not in Loughborough and has not been to campus since 3rd March.

The student had recently returned from a trip to Italy. 

The Vice-Chancellor said a number of people who had come into contact with the student are self-isolating off-campus as a precaution. 

The University has issued advice for students but has re-assured the public that the campus is open as normal. 

The University has today been advised that a student has contracted Coronavirus. The student is not in Loughborough and has not been on campus for a number of days. Public Health England believe they contracted the virus during a recent visit to Italy. https://t.co/fWDfp7vUMZ

— Loughborough University (@lborouniversity) March 7, 2020

In a statement the Vice Chancellor said: 

I have been advised today that a student based on our Loughborough campus has contracted Coronavirus.

The student has not been in Loughborough since 3rd March. Public Health England believe the student contracted the virus during a recent visit to Italy. We have been in touch with a small number of students and staff who had contact (as defined by Public Health England) with the individual and they have already self-isolated off-campus as a precaution. The student does not live in one of our Halls of Residence, has not attended LSU events and has not attended any classes during the period of concern.

We are doing extensive work to implement our plan to manage the risk to members of the University community. This includes following all guidance provided by Public Health England.

I must stress two points. First, the overall risk is not high. Second, the most important thing that we can all do at this time is follow advice from health care professionals with regard to our own wellbeing and that of our colleagues, family and friends.

You will receive further emails as the current situation develops. Please read all communications in detail and follow advice.

Please maintain good standards of personal hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.

I am confident that if we all take care and support each other we can manage the current situation and minimise the risk to the campus community. If you have any concerns or questions please email notifications@lboro.ac.uk. Further information is also available on our dedicated Coronavirus website, which is being updated regularly.

It comes as Leicestershire County Council released a joint statement with Public Health England confirming a case of Coronavirus in Leicestershire. 

Dr Fu-Meng Khaw, Centre Director, Public Health England East Midlands, said:

“Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19 who is a resident of Leicestershire.

 “Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

 Mike Sandys, Director of Public Health for Leicestershire County Council, said:

“I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and the local authority is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Leicestershire are protected.

 “Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

 “If you have recently been to one of the affected areas and are feeling unwell, you should use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS 111 for further advice straight away  – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.”