THE University of Tasmania’s Fountainside student accommodation is to be turned into a coronavirus quarantine site.

“Today the Tasmanian Government has requested that we make our inner-city Fountainside Apartments available for the COVID-19 response,” Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said.

media_camera Rufus Black. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“Working closely with our residents, we are making the necessary arrangements and will have the facility ready for the Government by Tuesday, 24 March.

“We are incredibly grateful for the understanding of our students — who will move to other inner-city University apartments — freeing up 50 ensuite rooms. There are currently 44 students at Fountainside Apartments.”

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A statement from the Health Department said Fountainside, together with other accommodation locations around the state, was being considered for the provision of quarantine and isolation.