UNIVERSITY students from the Isle of Wight who test positive for Covid-19 could be influencing case data despite not being on the Island.

Latest case figures show 492 people have now tested positive for coronavirus but not all cases could be on the Island.

At a meeting of the local outbreak engagement board, held for the first time on Thursday, councillors questioned whether students away for their studies would have an effect on the Island's coronavirus cases data.

Director of public health on the Island, Simon Bryant, said people are tested where they live but those students who have not or are not registered with their nearest GP at university, and test positive for Covid-19, would be counted under the Isle of Wight.

Figures from Public Health England link positive cases to the person's place of residence — which could still be the Isle of Wight if they have not changed their information.

Cllr Clare Mosdell, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "We are saying we could have a test result showing as being someone from the Isle of Wight but they could be a student in Nottingham."

Mr Bryant said it was something being looked at very carefully.

Some areas with university populations have seen mass outbreaks and halls of residents shut down to contain the spread.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson recently confirmed students would be able to come home at Christmas, dispelling worries.

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