The figures on this page show the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases each week. They also include data from our Pooled (Asymptomatic) Screening programme.

We have introduced a robust testing regime for our approximately 12,600 staff members and 23,000 students, which started on 5 October 2020. For students resident in our Colleges (and since January 2021, the majority of those living in private accommodation), we offer a weekly asymptomatic screening programme. For staff and students with possible COVID-19 symptoms we have two dedicated University testing pods.

We anticipate a significant number of positive asymptomatic cases due to the proactive nature of our testing. The figures are not comparable with other institutions that are conducting symptomatic - but not asymptomatic - tests. Our approach allows us to identify cases early, support students to self-isolate and therefore minimise transmission by reducing the time between infection and identification.

Total number of positive cases identified through University testing programmes

The data above represent the number of cases as identified through the University's testing programmes. 

All cases have been followed-up and, where appropriate, are being supported to isolate.

Detailed breakdown by type of testing

Positive cases identified via University asymptomatic screening

Cases identified by the pooled Asymptomatic COVID-19 Screening Programme are only counted after positive individual confirmatory tests. To avoid double-counting, these individual confirmatory tests are not included in the ‘Number of students screened’. Data for the ‘Number of students screened’ using LFTs are not included or available.

For the weeks up to and including 16-22 November, the pooled screening programme operated at reduced scale. From 23 November, all participating students in College accommodation were screened weekly. From 30 November, the programme was further expanded to include students living in private accommodation. The programme was paused between 7 December and 17 January and from 12 July.

* Between 7 December and 17 January, students were screened individually (when leaving or arriving in Cambridge).

** Between 21 June and 11 July, in addition to the pooled screening programme, many students were screened individually (including students with positive LFTs, or for enhanced contact tracing). Because these students are not a representative sample, the overall incidence in all students may be lower than the positivity rate.

*** From 12 July, students were screened individually (including students with positive LFTs, or for enhanced contact tracing). The positivity rate among these students is not indicative of the overall incidence in all students.

Weekly report from pooled testing programme

Positive cases identified via University symptomatic testing

Historical data on positive cases identified via other routes (eg NHS testing)

Historical data on additional focused individual testing in response to a cluster of cases