In an email sent to University of Sussex students this morning (Monday 17 February), it has been confirmed that the student removed from campus for coronavirus testing has not contracted the virus.
The email stresses that the University has ‘very stringent’ plans and procedures in place to deal with any potential issues relating to the virus.
The email also reiterates the University’s values of ‘kindness and inclusion’, following distressing reports that multiple students had suffered racial discrimination and abuse both on campus and in Brighton.
The email can be read in full here:
“Dear all students,
Further to the recent email we issued to all staff and students (Monday 10 February), we have been informed today by Public Health England that the student in question who was tested does not have Coronavirus.
Thank you to everyone in the Sussex community for their understanding – and for showing so much care and support for the student.
The University continues to run as usual and has very stringent plans and procedures in place to deal with any matters related to this issue.
It is likely that over the coming days and weeks there will be many people in the UK who will be tested.
As this is an evolving situation, the University will provide any updated information on this subject on its webpages.
If there is any information to share, in relation to anyone in our community testing positive for the virus, we will inform you via email at the earliest opportunity, so you know the steps we are taking and have access to guidance.
The health and safety of our students, staff and visitors will always remain our number one priority.
The University is proud to have over 2,000 Chinese students and many members of staff are either Chinese or have strong Chinese connections. It is vital at a time of worry and concern that we always show our full support through our words and our behaviours.
The University will take action wherever there is evidence of prejudicial behaviours towards members of our community.
Students should contact their School or the Student Life Centre for advice if they have either experienced or witnessed anything.
The time has never been more important to demonstrate our values of kindness and inclusion – and to take action if we see anyone being treated in a harmful way.”
If you have concerns or queries about Coronavirus, please visit this website for guidance:
https://student.sussex.ac.uk/coronavirus