Covid-19 case confirmed at Edinburgh College Granton campus as staff and students start next academic year

A Covid-19 case has been confirmed within a campus at Edinburgh College, as staff and students started the next academic year today.

An internal email to staff, seen by the Evening News, said students and staff who have been in direct contact with the confirmed case have been contacted by NHS Lothian and will be self-isolating for 14 days.

The email advises staff based at the Granton campus who have not been contacted by the health authority should continue to attend if they remain well, to deliver teaching and support services.

An Edinburgh College spokesperson said "enhanced" infection control measures and cleaning have been put in place, and that "robust" health and safety and risk assessment arrangements are done at all of their campuses in line with government and public health guidance.

Edinburgh College. Pic: Google

The spokesperson also said the "vast majority" of college courses and support services are being delivered online, with students studying online and staff working at home.

But one person who received this email told the Edinburgh Evening News they are worried about the college reopening to staff and students and feel it could be "putting people's health and lives at risk," with staff working "cross campus with other local authorities."

The source said that, although the ground floor appears to have been risk assessed and hand sanitisers are in place, teams of workers were being called in at short notice who are not included in a pre-book system with security but are still being allowed to “wander” on campus.

They added: "It's just a matter of time before people get seriously ill."

An Edinburgh College spokesperson said: “Edinburgh College is working with NHS Lothian’s Health Protection team in accordance with national guidance.

“Enhanced infection control measures and enhanced cleaning have been put in place. All close contacts have been contacted and provided the relevant advice.

“The vast majority of Edinburgh College courses and support services are being delivered online – with students studying online and staff working at home.

“The College has robust health and safety and risk assessment arrangements in place across all of our campuses. This work has been, and will continue to be, carried out in line with government and public health guidance.”

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