"ONE or two" cases of coronavirus have been confirmed at the University of Chester.

The university released a statement on Monday (September 28) whereby it confirmed that 'a small number' of people there had symptoms of the virus and were self-isolating, with "one or two unrelated" cases confirmed.

The university says it "expected" cases to be registered, but that it has "very robust systems" in place to keep its campuses as "Covid secure and fully-functioning as possible".

It has divided all of its residential accommodation into 'bubbles', which are defined as ‘households’ because they are a group of rooms with shared kitchen or bathroom facilities.

The university says if someone in one of its halls of residence reports a positive test or that they may have potential symptoms, it can "manage this carefully and effectively" for a "relatively small group of students".

Debora Green, the university's pro vice-chancellor student experience, said: “The University of Chester has very robust systems, approved by local public health teams and the government, to keep campuses as Covid-secure and fully-functioning as possible.

“Universities are part of the wider community, in which Covid-19 cases are occurring. So as expected, we have had a small number of people reporting symptoms of the virus and self-isolating – and one or two unrelated cases have been confirmed.

"We have worked in excellent partnership with the Council Public Health Team to identify any of these students’ direct or close contacts and all these are self-isolating as a precaution.

“To help control the spread of the virus, unapproved external visitors are not allowed on any site.

“The University and Chester Students’ Union have been having a regular dialogue with students and staff about COVID-19 safety measures since well before the start of term. Most recently, this has included the Hands. Face. Space. campaign, ‘Rule of Six’ and the new regulations relating to the hospitality industry and the importance of downloading the new NHS Test and Trace app.”