Almost 60 Keele University students have tested positive for coronavirus as public health experts warn cases across the area are soaring.
StokeonTrentLive recently revealed Newcastle borough has become the worst-hit spot in the whole of Staffordshire.
Now people are being urged to stick to key safety rules to help bring the virus under control and prevent a local lockdown.
The confirmed cases at Keele include 45 students living off campus and 14 students staying on campus. Two members of staff have also tested positive.
Staffordshire County Council has now set up extra testing at privately-run student accommodation blocks in Newcastle for people without symptoms. This will help identify other cases where people need to self-isolate in order to reduce the spread of infection.
It comes on top of the recently opened national testing facility at the university, which is targeting anyone from the community who has symptoms of Covid-19.
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Richard Harling, the council’s director of health and care, said: “If we don’t act now, there is an increased risk to the health of vulnerable people and a risk that the Government will step in and impose further restrictions on people’s lives and livelihoods.
“Everyone has a role to play in protecting themselves, vulnerable people and the wider community.
“We are asking everyone to help us stop the spread of infection by sticking to the rules at all times. This is particularly important for students who are at high risk of catching and passing on the virus.”
In the last fortnight alone, there have been nearly 300 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Newcastle borough.
Keele University stressed today it is taking proactive steps to keep the campus Covid-secure.
Vice-chancellor Trevor McMillan said: “The health, welfare and safety of students, staff, and the wider community is the number one priority for the university.
“Across our campus and accommodation, we have put in place safety measures in line with Government advice, and regularly advise students on public health guidelines to protect themselves and others.
“We are here to help our students and are also offering practical support to those self-isolating.
“We are proud of how our students are coping during these challenging times, and we will continue to work with the county and borough councils, and Public Health England, to do whatever we can to help stop the spread of infection.”
