More than 900 staff and students at University of Leeds have tested positive for Covid

More than 900 staff and students at the University of Leeds have tested positive for Covid-19 since the start of term.
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The university has published its second batch of weekly figures online in what it says is a 'bid to improve transparency' about transmission rates at the university.

The latest figures show that 269 cases were reported between October 5 and October 11.

Of those, 258 are students and 10 are members of staff.

The University of Leeds' Parkinson BuildingThe University of Leeds' Parkinson Building
The University of Leeds' Parkinson Building
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One other person, thought to be a contractor, also tested positive for the virus.

The figure is down from the previous week when a total of 558 new cases were reported from the start of term on September 28 to October 4.

The university was later informed of an additional 82 cases during this period, bringing last week's total to 640 new cases.

It brings the total number of coronavirus cases confirmed since the start of term to 909, with an estimated 525 active cases.

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The university, which is home to 38,000-plus students and 9,200-plus staff, now publishes the figures weekly.

There has been a huge surge in cases in the student areas of Leeds over the past few weeks.

The University of Leeds said the health and safety of staff and students is its "absolutely priority" and it is publishing the weekly data to ensure it is "as clear and transparent as possible."

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But a union has criticised the university for continuing face-to-face teaching on some parts of campus despite the number of cases.

A spokesperson for the University of Leeds University and College Union (UCU) said: "On Monday night it was revealed that the government’s scientific advisers recommended three weeks ago that all university and college teaching should be online unless face to face sessions were absolutely necessary.

"We are frustrated that University leaders are not listening to either to this scientific advice or UCU, who have been calling for a move online since even earlier in September."

The University of Leeds said it regularly reviews its approach to teaching and is confident that the campus is "Covid-secure".

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A university spokesperson said: "We are confident we have put in place measures to make campus covid-secure, and evidence suggests that transmission has taken place in social rather than educational settings.

“We have been clear on the criteria for deciding whether to provide face-to-face teaching and are trusting our academics to apply their expertise in making decisions.

"We are reviewing our overall approach regularly and will implement any changes in line with government and public health guidance and requirements.

"We are also holding regular meetings with our campus trades unions at which they can raise concerns with us.”

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