You studying PPE too? Student clad from head-to-toe in hazmat arrives at Bristol University where 300 freshers are locked down in halls due outbreak
- Masked-up pair joked with friends from behind the protective layer of plastic
- More than 300 students are self-isolating after 40 freshers tested positive
- University has recorded almost 260 coronavirus cases since term began
Students clad themselves head-to-toe in hazmat suits today as they arrived at Bristol University, amid a coronavirus outbreak on campus.
The masked-up pair peered from behind a protective layer of PPE as they unloaded bags from a car at the start of the Autumn term.
More than 300 students are self-isolating after 40 freshers tested positive in their student accommodation. Almost 260 students at the university have tested positive for the virus since the term began on September 30.
Students were pictured smiling together outside halls as they arrived wearing PPE equipment at the University of Bristol where 300 students are self-isolating
They were seen waving outside halls as they clutched several large suitcases
Pictures show the hazmat wearing students smiling and joking with friends from behind the gear as they unload luggage from a grey car.
Other students waved to the group as they arrived on campus.
On October 9 the university announced 40 new cases at its The Court student halls in the city centre.
Professor Sarah Purdy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience, said: ‘The health and safety of our students is a top priority at this very difficult and challenging time.
‘We have been actively monitoring coronavirus case numbers across the University community throughout the pandemic and have implemented a range of planned, increasing measures to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. This has included the self-isolation of a number of living circles within our residences.
‘Having reassessed case numbers with colleagues from the Public Health Team today, we have decided that further measures are appropriate at this stage.
‘We know this is a stressful situation and full support is being offered to those affected. This is available 24/7 via our Student Support and Wellbeing teams.
‘Regular support and contact with students will ensure everyone is kept up-to-date and can ask any questions. Our Residential Life teams are ensuring that everyone has access to food, supplies and clean laundry which will be delivered straight to their door.
They were also pictured unloading suitcases from a grey car. The University has begun its Autumn term
Pair pictured here unloading their suitcases. Bristol is also home to the University of the West of England, which has so far recorded three cases of coronavirus
‘All affected students will continue to access online teaching if they’re well enough.
‘We will do everything we can to support the students at The Courtrooms. If everyone follows the rules, we hope that this situation will pass, and things can return to relative normality as quickly as possible.
‘We have reminded all students that it is vitally important to observe self-isolation requirements in line with both the law and our acceptable behaviour policy. If necessary, the University will take action to ensure students are following this guidance.’
Bristol University shares the city with the University of the West of England (UWE), which has confirmed three coronavirus cases since term began.