EXCLUSIVE: Claims 40 students attended Parker House fresher's party days before outbreak

We're hearing claims a party involving 40 people took place at student accommodation in Dundee - just days before 500 were forced into self-isolation.

All residents at Parker House have been told to stay indoors after an Abertay University student tested positive for covid-19.

Two more have now been confirmed as having the virus.

Duncan Rendall who lives in the halls of residence has been speaking exclusively to Tay News - he says the people involved disregarded the rules.

"They didn't care. It was Fresher's, they just wanted to have fun," he said.

"I understand that, but it's better if people just follow the guidelines instead of completely ignoring the rules and stuff like this happens, which is annoying for everyone else.

"I was talking to my friend who's in a dorm near that one {alleged party} and apparently there were around 30 or 40 people in there.

"The party was actually above me, I could hear it. There was way too many people that really should've been there."

It's believed the alleged party also involved students who do not reside in Parker House.

It's understood Police Scotland were not called to the incident.

A spokesperson for Abertay University said: “We were disappointed at reports of students socialising at Parker House private accommodation over the weekend, going against the advice repeatedly issued by the University, Parker House and the Scottish Government.

“The University is working with Parker House to establish if any disciplinary action is required and has once again reminded all students of their personal and joint responsibilities in relation to Covid safety.”

All students will remain in self-isolation until contact tracing has been completed, with welfare support being provided.

Dr Daniel Chandler, Associate Director of Public Health and chair of the IMT said, “We understand that asking all residents of Parker House to self-isolate poses challenges, however we know from outbreaks in other university settings across Scotland that the virus can spread very quickly in student accommodation.

"Further investigation and contact tracing is continuing and we will review this advice in the coming days.

“In the meantime, it is really important that any residents who develop symptoms book a test as soon as possible. All students should also continue to follow the updated national guidance and not make indoor social visits to other households.”

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