St Andrews University: Four students test positive for coronavirus and 40 self-isolating after illegal Freshers’ Week party
Four students have tested positive for Covid-19 at the University of St Andrews – and more than 40 are in self-isolation following an illegal Freshers’ Week party in a hall of residence.
On Friday, Scotland’s oldest university asked its students to enter a voluntary weekend lockdown by staying in their rooms and not partying or going to bars.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe new cases bring the total at the university to seven, after three were announced last week.
In a message to students, University of St Andrews principal Professor Sally Mapstone said: “I am sorry to say that last night, four new positive cases were confirmed amongst our students.
“This is in addition to the three sporadic cases which I had notified to you all previously.
“All have comparatively mild illness and are being appropriately supported.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe added: “These new cases of Covid were acquired in St Andrews and are all linked to one party in a hall of residence in freshers’ week.
“Over 40 students are now in enforced isolation as a result.
“Quite apart from the fact that the party broke the law, and our own very clear guidelines on socialising and safe behaviour, the ripples from this single incident have consequences for all of us.
“Please do not arrange or attend parties unless they are only attended by your immediate household group”.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDespite the new cases, the university will restart some activities cancelled over the weekend, including “most sport, training activities and the gym”.
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.
Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.
By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.
Joy Yates
Editorial Director
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.