Edinburgh universities threaten action against COVID rule-breakers

Students at two universities in Edinburgh are being threatened with disciplinary action if they break COVID safety rules.

It's after reports of Edinburgh University students gathering for parties, and coronavirus cases at Napier's Bainfield flats in Fountainbridge.

The cluster of COVID-19 cases is being investigated by NHS Lothian which says 'enhanced cleaning and safety measures are already in place in the university in line with national guidance.'

"For people who do not comply with the guidance, there will be disciplinary action taken" - PROF. ANDREA NOLAN, EDINBURGH NAPIER

Students are being told: 'You do not need to be tested unless you become symptomatic with either a new and continuous cough, a fever, a loss or change in smell or taste.

Meanwhile, public health experts are contacting individuals and any close contacts living in the university accommodation, and giving them advice and guidance to self-isolate.

The uni remains open and operational as normal, and all students and staff who have not been asked to self-isolate are being told to 'continue to attend as normal' while the institution remains open and operational.

Principal and vice chancellor of Edinburgh Napier, Professor Andrea Nolan told Radio Forth: "Those who have tested positive and their close contacts - they're all in isolation now within their flats and being supported by university staff with welfare checks and food deliveries."

"We will be in touch with them every day to check they're doing ok.

"We have been very clear with our students to take their personal responsibility for the health and safety, not just of themselves, but to understand that their behaviours can impact on those who are dear to them - their friends, their families - and on other people around them.

"The vast majority of our students will be abiding by that guidance. For people who do not comply with the guidance, there will be disciplinary action taken, and we have amended our student code of contact to enable that to happen.

"Depending on how much they have broken the guidelines, they could be excluded from the university."

A similar warning has been issued to students attending the University of Edinburgh which is threatening suspensions to students who flout coronavirus safety measures.

It's after reports of police call outs to student accommodation at Pollock Halls and Kincaid's Court.

It's understood students refused to leave social gatherings after being told to clear off by uni staff.

"if a student is found to be intentionally or repeatedly failing to comply with safety measures, they will face appropriate action" - UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

A University of Edinburgh spokesperson said: "We are working hard to ensure all of our new and returning students are aware of the importance of following Scottish Government guidelines - both on and off campus - to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

"As well as our Student Code of Conduct, we have created a Good Citizen Guide, which sets out clear guidelines for our community during this time.

"Our on-site Residence Life team are regularly promoting COVID-19 safety messages and challenging any inappropriate behaviour.

"While the vast majority of our students are observing the rules, if a student is found to be intentionally or repeatedly failing to comply with safety measures, they will face appropriate action."

"house parties right now are a danger...to life" - FIRST MINISTER NICOLA STURGEON

Earlier, at First Minister's Questions Nicola Sturgeon warned that house parties are now a "danger to life" because of coronavirus.

She made the comment when pressed on whether tougher fines should be brought in for those who host illegal gatherings.

The FM said the level of fines and enforcement action is kept "under review."

Last weekend, Police Scotland broke up 405 house parties across Scotland and six people were arrested.

Current coronavirus restrictions mean any gatherings should be limited to a maximum of six people from no more than two households - while in several council areas tougher rules mean people are barred from entering other homes.

Police now have the power to break up house parties with more than 15-people present, as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Nicola Sturgeon said: "I understand that young people want to socialise and see their friends, there is nothing more natural than that, but house parties right now are a danger, they are a danger to people's health and frankly they are a danger to life.''

She said breaches of coronavirus regulations can currently be punished with fixed-penalty notices - which can rise up to £960 for repeat offenders.

And she added: "Where prosecution is deemed appropriate the sheriff court can impose a fine of up to £5,000 and higher fines can be imposed depending on the charge libelled.

"But we will continue to keep the level of fines and enforcement action under review."

The First Minister claimed the "vast majority of people" are complying with the restrictions, and warned: "Where people are just flagrantly breaching the rules, that should be treated seriously."