Negative result after COVID scare in Monash University residential hall

A student at the centre of a COVID scare at Monash University’s Clayton residential hall has been cleared of the disease.

Monash University staff have been told of a possible coronavirus case on campus Picture: AAP/ Chris Eastman

A student at the centre of Monash University’s COVID scare has tested negative after being identified as a close contact of the latest outbreak.

Staff at Monash University were on Saturday told of a possible positive case in the student residential halls.

A staff member, who wished not to be named, told the Sunday Herald Sun one student living in Howitt Hall at the Clayton campus may have tested positive.

But the student has since returned a negative result.

A Monash University spokesman said the student was an identified close contact in regards to the Terminal 4 Melbourne Airport exposure site.

“Monash Residential Services took action immediately and placed seven Howitt Hall Residential Advisors, some senior staff and residential students in isolation,” the university said in a statement on Saturday.

“The DHHS has confirmed that there are no further isolation requirements for other members of Howitt Hall at this time.

“There is no additional risk to the wider Monash Residential community or Monash University community at present.”

Howitt Hall can house up to 196 residents across 14 floors with students sharing communal bathroom, kitchen and social spaces.

There are no active cases linked to the university or its campuses.