IT has been confirmed that one of the UK's first coronavirus patients is a University student in England.

This afternoon, the University of York confirmed investigations were underway to determine if anyone on campus had been in close contact with the patient.

On Friday (January 31), Britain's first two confirmed cases of coronavirus were transported to a specialist disease unit in Newcastle after becoming ill at a York hotel.

The two people, who are from the same family, are believed to have recently travelled from China before staying at the StayCity Hotel in York City Centre.

Public Health England later confirmed the two people being treated for coronavirus in the North-East had been travelling around York City Centre.

'Our immediate concerns are for the affected student and family'

On Saturday, a spokesperson for the University of York said: "We understand this development will cause concern and anxiety among our students, staff, and the wider community.

"PHE (Public Health England) has advised us that the risk of infection being passed to others on campus is low.

"Current information from PHE suggests that the student did not come into contact with anybody on campus whilst they had symptoms, but investigations are ongoing to fully establish this.

"Our immediate concerns are for the affected student and family, along with the health and continued wellbeing of our staff, students and visitors."

'York remains a safe place'

The announcement came hours after Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council offered assurance the city remained safe to tourists and residents.

He said: “First and foremost, I would like to update residents and visitors that the Council has received guidance from specialist services and we are working with our partners to ensure that York remains a safe place for everyone to live, work and visit.

“The Council has been in close contact with Public Health England, the Department for Health and Social Care and local NHS partners.

"We are confident that all the relevant services in the city are well-equipped and ready to respond if appropriate."

A spokesperson for the StayCity group yesterday revealed that the belongings and apartment, which contained the man and 'two' of his companions had been cordoned off and would undergo an environmental clean.

  • Anyone with concern about their health in relation to coronavirus is advised to follow current advice from the PHE and call the NHS non-emergency line on 111