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The independent voice of Newcastle students
Est 1948
University warns that students who leave the UK over Easter may have issues with re-entry Grace Dean Editor The University has issued a statement asking students to be mindful when travelling abroad in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak. In an email sent to all students, the University addressed concerns regarding travelling abroad during the Easter holidays. The University has advised students and staff to
follow Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice, though these are rapidly changing. The email states: “It may be that if you leave the country, you find that you have issues with re-entry into the UK which could then affect your university studies.” The advice provided on the University’s website has recently been updated in accordance with Public Health England guidelines to prevent students from undertaking any university business in China or any of the category 1 areas unless approved by their Faculty
PVC, and members of the public returning from these areas should self-isolate even if asymptomatic. At the time of going to print, PHE’s category 1 areas are listed as China’s Hubei province, Iran, Daegu and Cheongdo in the Republic of Korea, and any Italian town under containment measures. Newcastle University’s announcement comes following the Italian Government’s decision to close all schools and universities until 15 March. Sports events have also been limited, and it is reported that the Govern-
ment is also considering further measures such as the closure of cinemas and theatres and the suspension of public events. Regions including Lombardy have already shut their theatres and cinemas, providing precedent for this measure. Schools and universities in China are implementing strategies to ensure students still have access to education, such as by providing online resources, so students can continue to work from home. Students at some UK universities have al-
ready been diagnosed with the virus. Goldsmiths University in south London has confirmed that a recent visitor to one of its halls of residence has since tested positive for the Coronavirus, while Queen’s University Belfast has confirmed that a case has been diagnosed among its community. Newcastle University concludes: “The best advice we can all follow in this situation is to wash our hands regularly with soap and water and maintain good hygiene.”
Newcastle found to be ‘booziest student city’ Sophie Wilson News Editor
Following a Babylon Health survey, Newcastle has been found to be the “booziest student city”. The health survey consisted of almost 40,000 people being questioned. Through their app, the company asked consumers to
A Babylon Health survey reports that Newcastle students drink an average of 7.9 units per week Image: George Boatfield
take a test to find out the habits of those from both rural and urban lifestyles. The statistics given reveal the answers given between November 2018 and April 2019. Newcastle students, on average, consumed 7.9 units of alcohol per week. This was the leading university town, followed by Exeter. However, the second place city had an average of a full 1.5 units less per week. This is in comparison to Ipswich that came last, with
results recording that the average there is only 3.1 units. The average number of
units Newcastle 7.9 units alcohol students drink each week
On a more general level, Newcastle upon Tyne came seventh out of nine cities regarding a general level of health in the North East.
This general result takes into account three factors of being ‘healthy’. The first of these is smoking,which considers the percentage of smokers, quitters and the amount of cigarettes consumed by each person on a regular day. The second category is diet, which looks at how many portions of fruit and vegetables are eaten on a daily basis, the units of alcohol drank and the amount of alcoholic drinks consumed per week. Finally, exercise is also
taken into consideration. This considers the amount of time each week is spent doing physical activity, the resistance of the exercise and the intensity of it. Considering all of these factors, Newcastle comes seventh in the North East, falling behind County Durham that takes the place of first, but it does beat both Sunderland and Middlesbrough.