Student at top Scottish university tests positive for coronavirus

A student at the University of St Andrews has tested positive for coronavirus virus.

Staff at the university said the student, who lives alone, is now receiving appropriate medical care and is recovering in self-isolation in St Andrews.

They added that their Student Services team is in contact with them and providing support.

The University of St Andrews student is now in self-isolation.

In a message to students and staff, St Andrews Principal Professor Sally Mapstone said: “The student had recently been in Switzerland and took ill the day after they returned to the UK. They self-isolated and contacted NHS 111 when symptoms first appeared.

“The student lives alone in private accommodation in St Andrews. We have been planning extensively for this eventuality for several weeks and our established protocols and advice have been closely followed.”

Professor Mapstone added that she understands this development will cause concern amongst their students, staff and the wider community, she said: “It is however entirely expected given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic.

“We have been advised by NHS Fife Health Protection Team that classes at the University should continue to take place today, which is the last day of teaching before the start of Spring Break.”

Earlier this week, students in St Andrews were advised to prepare for all teaching and assessment to take place online and teams of staff in St Andrews have been working to put in place the technology necessary to offer teaching and examinations remotely.