Students dismayed at being blamed for second Covid-19 spike

Students have expressed dismay at suggestions that they have contributed to the spread of coronavirus.

Many people have pointed to students returning to university as a reason for the increase in cases in recent weeks.

The Guardian newspaper explored factors which may have led to the rising numbers of Covid-19. It found that ‘infection rates at universities were up to seven times higher than those in surrounding areas’.

It considered the aspects of ‘university life’ being the main reason for the dramatically high rates of infection — in particular, living in vast communal living spaces like halls of residence and student houses, and also the partying culture of university living.

But some students blame recent delays in Covid-19 test results for the increase in numbers.

Nationally, the Government guidelines across the UK have stated that coronavirus test results would be available after 48 hours, ensuring that if an individual has not received a test result after two days they could assume to have tested negative for the virus.

However, for many individuals this not been the case. In Portsmouth, some students across the city did not receive test results for up to a week after being tested — leading them to believe they hadn’t contracted the virus, when in reality they were positive.

As a result, students living in halls of residence and private housing had not been self-isolating, creating a risk for those living in university accommodation and in the wider community.

The issue arose after it was discovered results across the UK had been lost due to a technical fault in the system which held all of the data. The quantity of files which contained valuable results had exceeded the maximum capacity, leading to over 16,000 cases of coronavirus going undetected.

Amber Murtough, 22, a student at the University of Portsmouth, said: “I had come into contact with someone who had tested positive for Covid-19 and so I had to get tested.”

“The testing process was very straightforward and I was told that I would receive my results after 48 hours. However, I did not receive any confirmation about my test outcome and had to call the helpline to chase up my results and see why it was taking so long.”

She added: “I have worked in a testing site myself over lockdown and I understand that it is difficult to keep the process organised.”

“I saw many people each day and it has definitely got busier, but this is no excuse for test result delays as it can be very confusing for individuals at an already stressful time. I feel that if I had not chased up my result then I may not have received it at all.”

Public Health England insists that the test results issue was a miscalculation. They admitted that they had not anticipated the number of coronavirus cases to rise as it did, and this lack of preparation led to the system software becoming over capacitated very quickly.

Katy Cheeseman, 20, a nurse working in the NHS, said: “Regardless of the lost results, there is still a pandemic going on. These people at university should not be ‘living their lives’ and they need to be less ignorant to what is going on in wider society.”

“I feel that students have definitely been a factor to the increase of cases and they need to make sure they are not adding to the problem. If you have had to take a test you need to ensure you have had a negative result before mixing with your friends. Why would you get a test if you don’t care about the results?”

Many students have been quick to defend themselves. Milton Vita, 23, from the University of Portsmouth, argued: “Like many students, I am shocked by the recent discovery of missing test results. I feel like it is very dangerous and I understand how this situation would leave many individuals confused.”

“However, I don’t think it is just students who are to blame for an increased spread in cases. To call all students ignorant is a generalisation, because many students do stick to the rules and isolate when they come into contact with coronavirus.”

“I myself would isolate like many of my friends, and would probably chase up my results.”

The University of Portsmouth, like many universities, has put precautions in place to help protect students and the wider community.

Nuria Johnson, 21, is a student living in halls at the university. She said: “I have seen many changes since last year, one big change is that I am not allowed visitors into my accommodation. On the one hand, it has meant that I have missed out on socialising; however, on the other hand, it has also meant that I have kept a small bubble and am less likely to contract the virus.”

The University of Portsmouth has also set up its own testing station, which aims to test 10% of staff and students every two weeks in order to keep cases low and to track developments across the institution.