Coronavirus latest: One of two UK cases identified as University of York student

Luke O'Reilly1 February 2020

One of the two individuals who has tested positive for coronavirus is a student at the University of York, a university spokesman said.

The pair - two members of the same family - are being treated at a specialist unit in Newcastle.

They had checked in to the Staycity apartment-hotel in York on Wednesday and were taken to hospital that evening.

Health chiefs confirmed on Friday that they had tested positive for the virus - which has killed 259 people in China.

200 British citizens have been quarantined after being evacuated from China
PA

In a statement on Saturday a spokesman for the university said the risk of the infection being passed on to other people on campus is low.

“We understand this development will cause concern and anxiety among our students, staff, and the wider community.

The buses are being deep cleaned
PA

“PHE has advised us that the risk of infection being passed to others on campus is low. Current information from PHE suggests that the student did not come into contact with anybody on campus whilst they had symptoms, but investigations are ongoing to fully establish this.

“Our immediate concerns are for the affected student and family, along with the health and continued wellbeing of our staff, students and visitors.”

Two women wearing face masks leave the Staycity Hotel in the centre of York, after the apartment-hotel was put on lockdown on Wednesday night
PA

The spokesman confirmed the University of York continues to operate normally.

He added: “We are monitoring the situation closely and we continue to provide as much advice, care and support as we can to our University community.

“If people have any concerns about their health in relation to suspected coronavirus we ask that they follow current PHE advice and contact NHS 111.

“The University has set up a call centre over the weekend for anyone who has any further concerns or inquiries. The telephone number is 01904 809571.”

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