Major Covid outbreak at Glasgow University as 124 students catch virus while 600 are told to self-isolate - after positive tests on Liverpool, Dundee and Aberdeen campuses

A major Covid-19 outbreak at Glasgow University has seen 124 students catch the virus and 600 self-isolate - after positive tests on campuses in Liverpool, Dundee and Aberdeen. 

Earlier this week it was revealed 500 students were self-isolating at Abertay University in Dundee after one confirmed case, while 80 students and seven staff were confirmed to have coronavirus at the University of Liverpool. 

There have also been 'a number' of confirmed cases at Aberdeen  University. 

The outbreaks across Scotland have prompted a strong warning against house parties. 

Glasgow University is the latest to see an outbreak of Covid-19 among students, following Aberdeen, Abertay in Dundee and Liverpool

During yesterday's coronavirus briefing national clinical director, Jason Leitch, said: 'We need you not to have house parties, I could not be more clear.'

Nicola Sturgeon said the 'significant outbreak at the University of Glasgow' had impacted on the daily Covid-19 infection figure for the NHS Greater Glasgow area.

A total of 224 cases were recorded across the health board area in the past day, she said.

Nicola Sturgeon confirmed yesterday the 'significant outbreak' in Glasgow had impacted the city's daily Covid-19 infection figure

The outbreak in student halls at Glasgow has prompted a warning against house parties from Scottish health officials 

Prof Leitch said he had spoken to student leaders about the latest restrictions on Tuesday through the National Union of Students.

He said: 'We discussed what more they could do and what more messaging they could help us with.

'There are now a number of outbreaks in our higher and further education institutions around the country, with significant numbers of positive cases.

'We need every student across Scotland to help us stop the spread of the virus.'

Addressing students directly, he reiterated the Government's public health advice on coronavirus and urged people to download the Protect Scotland app.

It is 'vital' those asked to self-isolate do so for a full 14 days, he said, remaining in accommodation and not going out for any reason.

Those self-isolating must try to avoid close contact with others in shared accommodation, he said.

Confirming the rules on household meetings also apply to student accommodation, he added: 'Parties are not allowed. I'm sorry and I hope they come back soon.'

All 500 students at Parker House halls in Dundee are self-isolating after one of their peers contracted coronavirus

The University of Glasgow confirmed on social media it is dealing with a coronavirus outbreak at two student residences - Cairncross House and Murano student village.

Those who are self-isolating are being provided with food and other supplies, the university said.

An incident management team meeting is taking place on Wednesday afternoon.

A spokesman for the University of Glasgow said: 'We are aware of two significant clusters of positive cases of Covid-19 in our Murano Street and Cairncross residences, which we believe were largely due to social activity around September 12-14, the start of freshers' week.

At least 80 students at Liverpool University have contracted coronavirus, along with seven staff

'We are working closely with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's public health team to manage these.

'The total number of reported cases since the start of term is 124 but the actual number is likely to be higher.

'Over 600 students are isolating across all residences.

'We are not aware of any students who have had to receive hospital treatment.'