CITY bosses have been urged to disclose their plans to manage the thousands of university students in Southampton and prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith is calling on Southampton City Council to explain the measures that have been put in place across the city to manage the influx of students.

The news follows a number of outbreaks at universities across the country.

The University of Southampton confirmed that 12 students and two staff members have tested positive for Covid-19 since the start of this academic year.

Meanwhile, Solent University said it currently has no confirmed cases.

Both institutions stressed they have several measures in place.

The city council said it has been working with universities on their plans to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 and to manage any outbreaks.

But Mr Smith said the authority should tell residents what strategy is in place to manage and support students.

It comes as the council cancelled a number of events including the Christmas markets.

Mr Smith said: “I think that if they are going to start cancelling all sort of events for residents in Southampton they really have to start explaining what their strategy is to cope with 40,000 students coming to Southampton from all over the world and all over the country. 

"While I agree with some of the actions the council are taking they would say nothing about 40,000 students. You can’t have one without the other, it is not fair.”

Dr Debbie Chase, director of public health at the city council, said: “We will continue to work with the universities to ensure accurate and up-to-date information and guidance is made available.

"Our collective decisions will continue to be informed by the national guidance, and discussions with the local Health Protection Team and the Council’s Public Health team.”

Cllr Lorna Fielker, cabinet member for health, added:“We’ve been upfront that the health and safety of residents is our top priority. 

"I am pleased to see that Royston Smith MP is now taking the local threat more seriously, but working together is better than rushing to blame or scapegoat groups. We will continue to update him at his regular update briefings with the Council.”

Both universities said measures such as hand-sanitiser stations, one-way system, online learning and requirement for face masks are in place.

"They both also said to have “robust” procedures to support students who would need to self-isolate.

Solent University said that staff and students have to pre-book facilities and can only go on site when timetabled.

The University of Southampton said its students and staff are also being tested as part of the saliva test trial.

A spokesperson for the university said: “Combined with normal NHS testing, this will help alert us to any cases occurring among our student population and quickly take appropriate action.”

Both universities have also published a joint student commitment, underlining the role students can play to keep themselves and the community safe.