Students brand possibility of quarantining on cruise ships 'dangerous'
The University of Aberdeen Students' Association say the suggestion of having those arriving from red list countries quarantining on cruise ships would not be welcome.
Last updated 14th Jul 2021
The students association at the University of Aberdeen say it would be dangerous to make students arriving from red-list countries quarantine on cruise ships.
A report in the Sunday Times suggested the Scottish Government have been in discussions with ship operators over the idea.
It would effect around 5,000 people over Scotland currently - with the concern there won't be the hotel capacity to allow all returning students to quarantine at the same time.
Opposition politicians, as well as national Uni groups have hit out at the suggestion.
Now the University of Aberdeen Students' Association has had it's say.
Alisa Koester, AUSA Student President said: “The plan to put students on cruise ships is dangerous and shows lack of forward planning from the Scottish Government.
"If the capacity of the hotels doesn’t allow students to quarantine comfortably, return to campus should be staggered and universities should be appropriately supported by the government in doing so.
"Students should be able to quarantine in a safe environment. They deserve to be treated the same way as everyone else, including the facilities they quarantine in.“
A Scottish government spokesman said: "We are exploring a range of options in order to increase capacity in managed quarantine facilities to meet the forecast demand for international students arriving from red list countries this year."