Goldsmiths University is in coronavirus crisis after guest visiting hall of residence tests positive for deadly bug – but staff vow to keep campus OPEN
- Goldsmiths College said a guest visiting their accommodation has coronavirus
- The case was discovered at the Chesterman House accommodation in London
- The student who the guest was visiting is self isolating as a precaution
Goldsmiths College has confirmed a guest visiting their student accommodation has tested positive for coronavirus – but the institution will remain ‘open as normal’.
The case was discovered at one of its seven halls of residence, Chesterman House accommodation, on Tuesday.
In a statement issued today Goldsmiths, which is part of the University of London and whose Chancellor is Princess Anne, said the student who the guest was visiting had been put into self-isolation as a precaution.
In a statement the college in New Cross, south east London, said: ‘A guest visiting a hall of residence used by Goldsmiths students has been diagnosed with coronavirus.
‘Following advice from NHS 111, the Goldsmiths student they were staying with is self-isolating as a precautionary measure.
In a statement issued today Goldsmiths, which is part of the University of London and whose Chancellor is Princess Anne, said the student who the guest was visiting had been put into self-isolation as a precaution (pictured: Goldsmiths)
‘Everyone is being supported by accommodation staff and we are in contact with the other students in Chesterman.
‘We are tracing movements of the person diagnosed with coronavirus and the student who has self-isolated.
‘We will work with relevant departments at Goldsmiths and the local NHS health protection team to contact anyone who is considered at risk of contracting the virus from them.
‘If you are concerned you have been in close contact with them call NHS 111 and follow their advice.
‘We are also working with Campus Living Villages who manage Chesterman House.
‘We had already escalated Goldsmiths’ response to coronavirus to the level of Business Continuity Planning. This included having a plan for a confirmed case in university accommodation which colleagues are working to.
‘A Critical Incident Group of senior staff has been planning how to respond to the virus since January.
‘They will continue to monitor the situation and make changes as needed. At this point, Goldsmiths buildings and services are open as normal.
The college revealed that a guest who visited a hall of residence used by Goldsmiths was diagnosed with coronavirus
‘We’ll keep students and staff informed by email and this section of our website.
‘We understand that this is a worrying time for those affected and for the whole Goldsmiths community. We will continue to consult closely with Public Health England and are taking all appropriate measures to protect our community.’
The college – which originated as an art college – has 10,000 students – 20 per cent of which are foreign students.
Alumni include artists Damien Hirst and Antony Gormley, and film director Steve McQueen who directed 12 Years a Slave.