WEEKLY coronavirus case figures among staff and students at Bournemouth University have soared by more than 140 per cent - but the educational institution says there remains no significant outbreaks.

A statement released online yesterday said there were 94 cases across the whole BU population of 1,723 staff and 16,606 students in the past seven days.

This compared to previous weekly figures of 39 and 47 cases for the weeks up to November 6 and October 30, respectively.

A BU spokesperson said: "These cases are distributed throughout the university and there is no significant outbreak in any particular course, hall of residence or other part of the institution.

"We have a clearly defined process for managing all cases and for supporting staff and students who may need to self-isolate.

"Due to the blended learning approach for teaching, which we have adopted this semester, very few positive cases have been linked to our campuses, but the rare isolated incidences where someone has been on site have been thoroughly followed up in terms of test & trace and cleaning."

Earlier this week, the government announced that more than 20,000 university students in Bournemouth will be free to return home for Christmas in a week-long travel window at the end of lockdown.

From December 3 to December 9, which will be known as the ‘student travel window’, students will be allowed to travel home on staggered departure dates set by universities, who will work with other institutions in the region to manage pressure on transport infrastructure.

Jim Andrews, BU's chief operating officer, said in a statement issued on Thursday, Novemebr 12: "We are working through the tasks required to comply with the guidance issued yesterday and we're waiting for more details about the mass testing proposal, which has yet to be issued.

"The Major Incident Group are working with faculties to review the changes that may be required to the timetable in December, and these will be communicated to you as soon as possible.

"We know there are particular issues for HSS students who are about to go on placement, and have raised this at a national level for clarification.

"We are reviewing how best to support the departure of students for the Christmas break, including any testing, and of course ensuring that we continue to support all of you who will remain in the local area, as we always do."