NEW coronavirus cases have been confirmed at student halls in Dundee and Aberdeen.

Last night NHS Tayside confirmed there are now 84 Covid-19 cases across two halls of residence in Dundee, while an incident management team said there are 44 cases in the Aberdeen University outbreak.

In Aberdeen the team, which is made up of figures from NHS Grampian, the university, city council and Police Scotland, said the number of cases had increased by 28 since their last outbreak.

A spokesperson for the team said: “A multi-agency investigation is ongoing into 44 cases of Covid-19 identified within the University of Aberdeen student population.

“This figure includes those living in university halls of residents and private flats and halls elsewhere.

“The cases are currently not being treated as a single cluster. Investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made to identify any linkages between them.

“There is currently no evidence of spread to the wider community and, working with the university, various control measures have been implemented in an effort to curb the risk of any further transmission.”

Meanwhile in Dundee the NHS Tayside health board said there were 68 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Parker House, and 16 at Abertay’s Meadowside Halls.

All of the 500 students at Parker House have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days and support is being provided by the university.

Dr Daniel Chandler, associate director of public health and chairman of the NHS Tayside incident management team, said: "Contract tracing is continuing and I would encourage all students who develop symptoms to self-isolate and book a test as soon as possible.

"Our advice to students who are self-isolating remains to stay in their accommodation.

"The Scottish Government has advised that students who require the support and care of a friend, family member or other supportive person to comply with the requirement to self-isolate, can return home.

"This must be arranged through your accommodation provider to ensure students are collected safely and the risk of spread of Covid-19 is minimised. It is very important to continue to follow the guidance on self-isolating to ensure any return home can be done as safely as possible.”