St Andrews University students test positive for covid following freshers party
Four have been confirmed as having the virus after halls of residence party which broke national restrictions on gatherings
Four St Andrews University students have tested positive for coronavirus following a Freshers' Week party in a hall of residence .
Over 40 students are now in self-isolation, with the principal confirming it broke the Scottish Government's six rule - limiting gatherings to two households of no more than half a dozen people.
On Friday the university asked students to stay in their rooms all weekend as part of a voluntary lockdown.
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.''
She 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''.
Despite the new cases, the university will restart some activities cancelled over the weekend, including most sport, training activities and the gym''.
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